An NHS dentist in Harrogate could close and move its patients to Starbeck if planned changes go ahead.
Chatsworth House Dental Centre, based on Kings Road, sent out letters to its patients to tell them about the plans to merge with Starbeck Dental Centre.
Under the proposals, patients would need to travel 1.7 miles to the practice on Starbeck High Street – a six-minute drive or more than 30-minute walk.
The service provider, Target Dental Group, has not formally approached the NHS with its proposal and it is unclear what the timescale is for the closure.
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In the letter to patients, the provider said the merger would create a hub of dental services and “create an even greater patient experience”.
“Starbeck Dental Centre is situated in a modern spacious building. It is able to offer a broad range of services alongside full disabled access, modern facilities and easy access via public transport.”
The Stray Ferret approached the provider for a comment but received no response by the time of publication.
How easy is it to get an NHS dentist in Harrogate?
The proposed closure of Chatsworth House Dental Centre will likely prompt fears about NHS dentist spaces in Harrogate.
Of the 11 NHS dentists in the town, only the Harrogate Dental Centre on Hookstone Park is advertising for new adult NHS patients. South Park Dental Practice is also advertising for child places up to the age of 18.
Currently, NHS dentists are not taking on any new patients because of the coronavirus pandemic. That could change by October, depending on guidance at the time.
