William Powell AM has strongly criticised the Welsh Government after figures on the NHS Direct website have revealed that there are no dentist practices in Pembrokeshire that are accepting new NHS patients.

 

In 2006, the Welsh Labour Government set a 100% target for everyone in Wales to have access to an NHS dentist.  Despite the First Minister only last year claiming he stood by this target, the Health

Minister has since described it as ‘unrealistic’ in a written answer to Welsh Lib Dem Leader Kirsty Williams.

The NHS Direct website offers a health advice service that is available to people so they can get up to date information about the NHS services that are on offer in their local area.

William Powell, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales, commented:

“It is unbelievable that out of the 15 or so dentists in Pembrokeshire, not a single one is accepting new NHS patients.  These figures make a complete mockery out of the Welsh Labour Government’s ambition for everyone in Wales to have access to an NHS dentist.'