As part of the Healthwatch Rutland children and young people focus, we recently visited the Rutland Family Hub. Over the last couple of years, one of our work themes has been NHS dentistry access in Rutland. Continuing with that theme, we are now seeking to find out if children and young people can access NHS dentistry locally.
Myself, husband and daughter have been registered [at a dentist] in Uppingham for over 10 years but I can’t get my 15-month-old to see the dentist there on the NHS! He has to go to a different one alone. Going together as a family makes it more natural and easier for children. It can be daunting for them. On his first experience the dentist said he was too young even though he had broke his first tooth.
Parent
We are private patients, it’s nearly impossible to get NHS here [in Rutland]. When pregnant I tried pretty much every dentist in Rutland to get NHS care but couldn’t find anywhere.
Parent
13 children had visited an NHS dentist in the last 6 months. “We go every 6 months and feel lucky to be able to access NHS dentists.”
Parent
Towards the end of the financial year, we will be publishing a wider report based on our engagement with families, children and young people.
Whilst at the Family Hub, it was great to see so many resources available. As well as 2 indoor rooms, they have an outdoor space which is used for play and to grow vegetables. The sessions which we attended cater for children up to 5 years old however the Hub also provides sessions for parents such as Living with Teens, a Sleep Tight workshop and Pediatric First Aid courses.
We look forward to visiting the team at their sessions across the county in Uppingham Scout Hut, St Georges Community Centre and Kendrew Barracks.
For more information on the Family Hub and the support they provide:
01572 758383