Plaid AM Nerys Evans has raised local concerns with the Health Minister regarding dental services in south-west Pembrokeshire. Constituents in villages such as Angle and Hundleton have complained to Nerys that they have to travel to Swansea to gain access to an NHS dentist.
In a response to Nerys in the Senedd chamber, Edwina Hart, the Health Minister, said that they are addressing the issue because six dental practices in the region are taking new patients. The practices are in Haverfordwest, Pembroke Dock, Whitland, and there are three in Milford Haven.
Nerys Evans said: "I have been contacted recently by many local residents in south-west Pembrokeshire complaining that they can't gain access to a dentist locally. Many have told me that they have to travel to places like Swansea for dental treatment. It is unacceptable to expect patients to travel this distance in order to gain access to an NHS dentist. This is a round trip of some four hours, which is a lot to ask of families with small children.
"The Minister realises that there is a problem in the area and I know that she has been working hard to get to grips with the issue. Indeed, I was pleased to hear her response that there are six practices currently taking on new patients."