New dentists for Greasby

Feb 13 2008 by Lorna Hughes, Hoylake and West Kirby News

NEW dental services are being planned for Greasby - almost five months after the area lost its only dentist.

The News revealed last October that Clive Morgan was retiring, leaving 2,500 patients facing a scramble to find dental care.

Mr Morgan, Greasby’s dentist for 32 years, said he was forced out because he missed a Wirral Primary Care Trust target for “units of dental activity” (UDA), leaving him with a £20,000 bill.

Mr Morgan was not allowed to sell on his contract.

Wirral PCT has now submitted a planning application for a three surgery dental facility in Greasby Village, which will provide a range of dental care including NHS treatment.

The new services will be headed by Dr Alan Archer and Dr Steven Wright, who have established dental practices in the borough.

Wirral PCT is warning the planning application progress will “take time” and is planning to site a temporary dental unit in the car park of Greasby Health Centre.

Kathy Doran, chief executive of Wirral PCT, said: “I am very pleased that the plans for providing dental services in Greasby have progressed and delighted that both Dr Archer and Dr Wright have agreed to head this service.

“I look forward to work beginning on the conversion of the building as soon as possible, subject to planning approval.”

“I would like to offer my thanks to local residents for their patience during this time.”

Appointments for assessments at the mobile unit will be by appointment only and patients with urgent dental problems are asked to ring the PCT dental helpline.

Dr Alan Archer said: “We are delighted to be awarded the contract for this new service and are eager to be up and running as soon as possible.

“We pride ourselves in delivering quality NHS services in Wirral and will continue to provide high standards in this new scheme.

“We hope that the residents of Greasby support the planning process so that we are able to start building conversion and open the surgeries as soon as possible.”

The PCT dental helpline - for advice or emergencies only - is on 643 5455.