People are becoming increasingly concerned about not being able to access dentists on Wirral.
In a report produced by Healthwatch ahead of a health and wellbeing board meeting at Wirral council yesterday, it was revealed there had been a 7% increase in contacts from people concerned about access to dentists in the borough in recent months.
24% of all ‘single point’ contacts, by phone or email, in Wirral to the health and social care champion, a statutory body representing feedback from patients and service users, from August to October were about issues getting to see a dentist.
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Through online contacts, most issues reported related to GPs, with the report noting that a key issue for many involved problems with e-consult services and getting face to face appointments with doctors.
The report states: “Access to appointments remains the largest topic, especially for GPs and dentists” with issues including practices only offering e-consult services, which are not accessible to all, long waits or difficulties getting through on the phone and long waiting times for appointments.”
In some cases, the report noted, problems with gaining access to dental appointments has in “multiple cases” led to patients developing other health conditions.
The report stated that while in other areas, such as the borough’s hospitals, there has also been an increase in issues raised with Healthwatch, in some, notably around the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination problem, people had contacted Healthwatch to report how happy they were with the service provided.
The report said: “All feedback received this quarter around the COVID-19 vaccination was positive” with people praising the efficiency of staff, sensitivity in working with people with learning difficulties to ensure vaccinations took place smoothly and a “good booking system.”
The report was presented by chair Cllr Yvonne Nolan who noted the importance of continuing to listen to patient feedback as service changes are rolled out in the coming months, with the report and recommendations being noted and approved by the board.
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