Ukrainians in Norwich 'returning to home to visit dentist'

Norwich South MP Clive Lewis told the House of Commons on Tuesday morning that refugees living in his constituency are travelling back to Ukraine to receive dental care rather than in the city or surrounding areas.

The Labour backbencher is among several MPs calling for reforms to NHS dental care across England to provide better access for patients, claiming 85,000 are currently on the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital waiting list.

READ MORE: How you can get a free dental check-up in Norwich

MP Clive Lewis told the House of Commons that Norwich South constituents were returning to Ukraine for dental care (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “I have Ukrainian refugees that come to my constituency who are travelling back to war-torn Ukraine to have their teeth seen to because there is a better dental service in Ukraine than there is in Norfolk and Norwich." 

Health Secretary Steve Barclay responded: "On dentistry, we have 6.5pc more dentists than when we came to power and a quarter more activity this year compared to last year.

"But I understand why he doesn't want to talk about the investment we are making on the electives programme in Norfolk because it includes two new hospitals going into Norfolk that we are funding through our new hospitals programme."

READ MORE: Former nurse pulls out SEVEN teeth after being unable to see NHS dentist

Earlier this year, a project to create new outpatient imaging buildings at the Norfolk and Norwich, James Paget and Queen Elizabeth hospitals was given the green light by the Department of Health and Social Care.

Norfolk has been described as a 'dental desert', where demand for NHS services far outstrips supply.

In May, hundreds of people queued through the streets of King's Lynn for the chance to sign up with an NHS dentist.