Brixham needs an NHS dentist - Pannell

3.56.35pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 30th Sep 2005

Nick Pannell is fighting for Brixham to have an NHS dentist

BRIXHAM needs an NHS dentist but the Government's plans for reform fall well short of being able to deliver one.

Nick Pannell met up with Brixham dentist Nick Shearman of the Harbour Way Dental Surgery to hear first hand the shortcomings of a system which have left some people travelling miles for NHS treatment, or waiting too long, for emergency care.

Dr Shearman said: "It was my saddest day in dentistry when we were forced to go private. We were one of the last to do so in Brixham and I was very conscious that many people can't afford private treatment.

"But the reality was that we weren't even covering our costs."

"The new Government contract will give even less security. The Government may be training many more dentists but most will be deterred from working for the NHS."

Nick Pannell said: "As Mayor I will be taking up issues on behalf of the community and banging on desks at regional and national level to unlock more funds. It's a question of political will."