IMPORTANT CHANGES AT ROBINSPOOL DENTAL PRACTICE THAT AFFECT YOU.

PLEASE READ VERY CAREFULLY.

You may have heard or read that the Government proposes to change the way that dentistry is funded. The local Primary Care Trusts will be given money and will have the responsibility of funding dental services in their area by awarding contracts to dentists.

The majority of Primary Care Trusts have overspent their budgets. In future PCTs will have the power to award contracts according to funds available and to decline to renew contracts if they wish. They are compelled to balance their books.

Patients will no longer be on a dentist’s list, but will be patients of the local PCT. The PCT will have the responsibility of finding a dentist with a current contract to treat them. To make space available in a dentists schedule NHS dentists will be encouraged to see patients less frequently.

Being told whom we can see, and how frequently is totally unacceptable to us. We have no faith that the PCT will be able to balance its books. Contract values will probably be reduced or will not be renewed. The Government will excuse themselves by saying that they have provided the funds and the PCT will be blamed if it overspends. This is a quite scandalous abdication of responsibility.

Any dentist without a contract is not permitted to provide treatment under the NHS.

We do not feel that we can accept the contract that is due to come into force on April 1st 2006. The contract has been devised without consultation and has been roundly criticised by all dental bodies.

A separate letter will explain how this affects you specifically. If you wish to discuss anything please email me at paul@robinspool.co.uk or phone outside surgery hours and leave a number so that we can ring you back.

Please do not call during surgery hours when our receptionists are busy with the everyday running of the practice. They simply will not have the time to discuss future arrangements in detail.

Please see also: "New arrangements for children"