NHS dentists plan for greengrocers

THOUSANDS more patients will have access to an NHS dentist under plans to open a new practice.

Redbridge Associates wants to turn the century-old Latham's greengrocers, in The Parade, Silverdale, into a four surgery dental practice.

NHS North Staffordshire is looking to expand dental services in Newcastle, and Redbridge Associates hopes to win the contract to run the Silverdale practice.

It has lodged a planning application with Newcastle Borough Council to convert the shop and hopes the practice could open by the spring.

Latham's is still trading but the owners will sell the premises to Redbridge Associates if planning permission is granted.

Redbridge Associates general manager Subahu Shah said: "There is quite a big shortage of NHS dentists, especially in areas of high need.

"The primary care trust had put out a tender to set up a new dental practice at three locations, including Silverdale.

"We felt this location was the best place to set up a practice, as it is near a health centre and a car park, and it is compliant with disability legislation.

"We have agreed to purchase the property as soon as we get planning permission and the health trust accepts our bid. We will need to fit out the premises, and that should take about 10 to 12 weeks."

Silverdale and Parksite councillor Eileen Braithwaite will be pleased to get a new dental practice, but sad to see Latham's closing after 100 years in the village.

She said: "I am a bit concerned at losing the greengrocers, as there are some people who can't get to the supermarket.

"But it's good it will be turned into a dentists.

"I have to go to Stoke-on-Trent for my treatment. I used to go to Newcastle until it went private about 10 years ago."

Redbridge Associates operates NHS dental surgeries in the North West and the surgery would be staffed with dentists already on its roster.

Mr Shah added: "Quite a few of our dentists are currently working part-time at other practices and would be willing to take full-time posts in Silverdale."

An NHS North Staffordshire spokesman confirmed its preferred bidder had yet to be appointed.

He said: "The new practice will give another 8,000 local people access to NHS dentistry, with a focus on preventive dentistry. Priority access will be given to patients in the Milehouse area who have not accessed dental services recently."

Anyone wanting to attend the proposed dental practice in the future should call 01782 425846 for further information.