HSE seeks new location for its dental service

SOUTHSIDE parents have been assured that no child who requires urgent dental treatment will be left waiting after it emerged that the dental service at St James’s Hospital is to close.

The HSE decided to close the unit at St James’s earlier this month because of problems with the building where it’s housed.
However, the health body has reassured local parents that normal services will resume next year.

Deputy Catherine Byrne (FG) said she was concerned to hear about the removal of dental services from St James’s

“But the HSE has assured me that no child will be left waiting where urgent dental treatment is needed,

? she said.

“In the wake of the announcement I spoke to the HSE Area Manager for Dublin South Central who explained that the decision to close the service at St James’s Hospital was taken due to the sub-standard nature of the building.

“The Area Manager assured me that no child in need of urgent dental treatment will be left without a service.

?

Deputy Byrne added:

“The HSE is actively seeking suitable new premises for the dental service. I am satisfied that the service will be up and running again by the New Year.

“In the interim, the HSE will fund treatment in either the Hermitage or the Beacon, for Dublin-based children, and in Clane for children from Kildare and surrounding area.

?

A HSE spokesperson confirmed to Southside People that an alternative location for the service

“is being sourced at present

?.

“The general anaesthesia dental clinic provided in the grounds of St James’s Hospital has ceased since October due to problems with the suitability of the building,

? the spokesperson stated.

“An alternative location for this service is being sourced at present and normal service is expected to resume in early 2015. In the meantime, urgent cases requiring immediate treatment due to pain or swelling are being dealt with as necessary at private centres in Dublin and at no cost to the families.

“Parents who have concerns should liaise closely with their local public dental clinic, and particularly so if there is any deterioration or pain being experienced.

?