MP demands health bosses get a grip after shocking new research finds South Cumbria worst place in the country to get NHS dentist place

Local MP Tim Farron has urged health bosses to get a grip after new research found that new patients in the South Lakes would have to travel to Whitehaven or Blackpool to reach their nearest NHS dentist.

According to the British Dental Association, South Cumbria is the worst area in the country for NHS dental places, with people in Barrow and Windermere forced to make 90-mile roundtrips.

Last month Tim wrote to the Health Secretary Matt Hancock urging him to improve NHS contracts to encourage dentists not to go private, but is still yet to receive a reply from the minister.

Tim said: "This is a literal kick in the teeth for everyone here in South Cumbria.

"Patients, who have already paid for NHS dentistry through their taxes, deserve better than colossal 90-mile round trips for treatment.

"Health bosses urgently need to grip of the situation before this escalates into a full-blown national crisis."