Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has today confirmed that public dental services would continue at Glen Innes Hospital, following Ministerial intervention.
Wednesday, 4 May 2022
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has today confirmed public dental care services will continue to be offered at Glen Innes Hospital, following the direct intervention of the Regional Health Minister Bronnie Taylor.
Mr Marshall contacted Minister Taylor late last week, after concerning reports from the community that Hunter New England Health was intending to wind up the provision of oral care clinics at the hospital.
Mr Marshall said the Glen Innes community would be relieved to know potential moves to end the service had been stopped.
“Today I can confirm that oral health services will continue Glen Innes District Hospital,” Mr Marshall said.
“Hunter New England Health is now in the process of recruiting a new dentist at the facility and while that process takes place it will continue to offer some oral care services utilising other staff in the district.
“I have been advised where appropriate, patients will also be referred to private practitioners under the Oral Health Fee for Service Scheme and I encourage patients to be patient with this while recruitment takes place.
“I want to thank the Minister for intervening so quickly to ensure this important ‘safety net’ service continues for vulnerable Glen Innes residents.
“We all know without good oral care the rest of a person’s health deteriorates. If this service was to end I fear we would only see greater pressure lumped on the hospital and its already stretched resources.”
Mr Marshall has been strongly campaigning for Hunter New England Health to show greater transparency and accountability when it comes to communicating changes in service provision and hospital staff shortages.
“Once again it took correspondence from the community to alert me to the Health District’s foreshadowed intentions to wind up public dental services at Glen Innes Hospital – this is simply not good enough,” Mr Marshall said.
“I implore Hunter New England Health to do better when it comes to keeping the community informed around service disruptions and changes to its delivery.
“Improving communication channels will eradicate unnecessary anxiety for patients and help restore public confidence in the organisation.”