Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has taken the decision to end its contract for the delivery of primary care dental services on the Isle of Wight.
Since 2015 the South West-based trust has been the provider of community dental services to Island residents in Carisbrooke, Cowes, Freshwater and Shanklin. However, the Trust says it has recognised the limitations of operating services at a distance and has therefore decided to withdrawn from the Isle of Wight after just 3 years.
Notice has been served to NHS England with the active contract all set to come to an end in September. It’s at this point that a new provider will take over.
Andy Heron, Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s Chief Operating Officer has commented on the decision:
“Somerset Partnership has been responsible for the delivery of primary care dental services since 2015. The trust has been proud to be associated with the delivery of these important NHS services on the island over the last three years.
“Although we believe we have contributed to the ongoing development of these services during our time in charge, our trust has also recognised the limitations of operating services at a distance and at a time where so much emphasis is being placed on local integration of services right across the NHS. Against this background our trust board recently decided to serve notice on our contract to provide dental services on the island.
“Throughout the last three years we have enjoyed an excellent relationship with the service commissioners and we are continuing to work closely with them in the interests of a smooth transition for patients and our highly dedicated staff team.”
Speaking about what happens next, Olivia Falgayrac-Jones, Director of Commissioning from NHS England’s local office, has told Island Echo:
“NHS England is working with the Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and other partners to deliver a seamless transition of dental services on the island, following the Trust’s notice to terminate the contract at the end of September.
“We are currently looking at a range of options to meet the Island’s dental needs; Somerset Partnership has provided an excellent service having laid firm foundations on which we will shape the future design of the Island’s dental services. ”
