SHOCK ANNOUNCEMENT THAT RYDE DENTIST TO STOP TREATING NHS PATIENTS FROM FEBRUARY

A busy dental practice in Ryde has announced that it will be slashing its NHS services as the lead dentist will no longer be treating NHS patients from February next year, sparking fears of where thousands of locals will go for future dental treatment. {my}dentist, on Cross Street, has written to patients this week to inform them that as of 1st February 2024, the practice will be partially withdrawing NHS dental services. Instead, patients of Siegfried Binder are being invited to join a private, paid-for scheme at just over £18.26 per month – or £219.12 per year. Places on the membership plan are being sold as ‘limited’ and on a first come, first served basis. Concerns have been raised as to what Ryde residents are supposed to do now given that it is already difficult for Islanders to find NHS dentists. Mr Binder of {my}dentist has said that it has become apparent that some changes need to be made and the decision for him to move away from offering NHS services has been a ‘difficult one’, but necessary to continue providing a high-quality service. Mr Binder says that going private will allow him to spend more time with patients, maintaining and improving their dental health whilst also reducing appointment waiting times. It says that NHS services will still be offered by other dentists at the practice, although routine and emergency appointments will be subject to capacity.