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Shameful NHS Dentistry: Patients Pulling Teeth
23 Jan
Summary
- Health Secretary calls patient self-extraction of teeth 'shameful'.
- NHS dentistry is improving but still needs significant development.
- Cornwall's healthcare faces geographic and resource challenges.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has declared that instances of patients pulling their own teeth due to a lack of NHS dental care are "shameful." He emphasized that while NHS dentistry is improving, it still requires substantial development and is a national challenge.
Streeting characterized the overall state of the NHS as "recovering, but not out of the woods." He noted progress in reducing waiting lists, which is also reflected in areas like Cornwall. However, he stressed that much more work is needed.
Addressing healthcare in Cornwall, Streeting acknowledged its specific challenges, including geography and limited hospital capacity. He expressed a governmental desire to increase community-based treatment options, allowing residents to receive care closer to home.
Looking forward, Streeting aims for faster diagnoses and treatments, with an ultimate goal of preventing illness. He personally values the NHS for its principle of removing financial worry when falling ill.
