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03/07/2007
Custom NHS dental contract sought
The Minister for Health has said he wants to introduce a custom contract for dental services in Northern Ireland in a bid to redress the fall in NHS dentists.
Michael McGimpsey was speaking during an Assembly debate about the delivery of dental services.
The Minister said the contract, which was introduced in England and Wales last year, would not be extended to Northern Ireland. He said the dental system would be piloted here next year.
“I have asked for a locally developed solution. Negotiations to secure a tailor made contract have already started between my Department and the British Dental Association.
“The contract which will move away from the current way we pay dentists is part of the Miscellaneous Provisions Bill which was given second reading in this House recently. Subordinate legislation is also needed.”
Addressing the drift towards private practice, which a lot of people needing dental services are currently experiencing, the Minister said: “Two million pounds of recurrent funding has been agreed to ensure that local dentists can provide treatment for local people as part of the Health and Social Care system and not force people into expensive private care plans.
“The Health Boards are also looking at ways of employing salaried dentists in areas where there have been problems accessing services.
“I can assure Members and the public that all possible steps will be taken to ensure that dental treatment is available under the Health and Social Care system to those entitled to and wishing to avail of it.”
During the debate it was noted that Northern Ireland had a poorer state of dental health than any other part of the country.
(SP/KMcA)
Michael McGimpsey was speaking during an Assembly debate about the delivery of dental services.
The Minister said the contract, which was introduced in England and Wales last year, would not be extended to Northern Ireland. He said the dental system would be piloted here next year.
“I have asked for a locally developed solution. Negotiations to secure a tailor made contract have already started between my Department and the British Dental Association.
“The contract which will move away from the current way we pay dentists is part of the Miscellaneous Provisions Bill which was given second reading in this House recently. Subordinate legislation is also needed.”
Addressing the drift towards private practice, which a lot of people needing dental services are currently experiencing, the Minister said: “Two million pounds of recurrent funding has been agreed to ensure that local dentists can provide treatment for local people as part of the Health and Social Care system and not force people into expensive private care plans.
“The Health Boards are also looking at ways of employing salaried dentists in areas where there have been problems accessing services.
“I can assure Members and the public that all possible steps will be taken to ensure that dental treatment is available under the Health and Social Care system to those entitled to and wishing to avail of it.”
During the debate it was noted that Northern Ireland had a poorer state of dental health than any other part of the country.
(SP/KMcA)
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02 July 2007
Dental Services contract to be introduced
The Minister for Health Michael McGimpsey has said he wishes to introduce a bespoke contract for dental services in Northern Ireland. Mr McGimpsey was speaking during an Assembly debate about the delivery of dental services in the Province.
Dental Services contract to be introduced
The Minister for Health Michael McGimpsey has said he wishes to introduce a bespoke contract for dental services in Northern Ireland. Mr McGimpsey was speaking during an Assembly debate about the delivery of dental services in the Province.
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