A new “state-of-the-art” community dental clinic has opened its doors in Altrincham town centre.
Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has unveiled the hi-tech facility within Altrincham Health and Wellbeing Centre, offering patients access to brand new clinical rooms equipped with modern specialist dental equipment.
The new clinic operates as a comprehensive “one stop shop” where patients can receive all their dental treatment under one roof.
As a specialist community dental service, Bridgewater provides care to patients with conditions that prevent them from accessing treatment through standard NHS family dentists. Patients are referred to the clinic by their dentist, GP, or other healthcare and social care professionals.
Nikhil Khashu, Chief Executive Officer of Bridgewater Community Healthcare, said: “The fact that our patients can receive all their dental treatment under the one roof, is so important. Many of them find their dental visits anxiety-provoking, so this considerably reduces any stress.
CEO Nikhil Khashu and Chair Martyn Taylor in one of the three clinic rooms
“With the latest dental technology here on site, including X-ray equipment, we’re able to provide a seamless, more efficient service, which brings huge benefits to the people in our care. I’m really pleased to be here today to help celebrate that.”
The clinic’s design reflects the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan for England, which emphasises personalised care.
The modern facility has been purposefully designed to help patients – especially children – feel more relaxed during their visits.
Among the first patients to experience the new service was 10-year-old Daisy Chapman from Sale, who visited with her mother Amanda Charnock for treatment of a problematic filling.
Amanda said: “Some issues with a filling were causing Daisy pain. She was a bit worried about her treatment, but the dental staff went above and beyond to put her at ease. They were telling her stories to distract her, explaining the equipment they were using – they involved her all the way. I’ve never experienced anything like it. I can’t tell you how it felt to see them nurturing my child in this way.”
Daisy Chapman, 10, after her treatment at the clinic
Speaking at yesterday’s official opening, Trust Chair Martyn Taylor said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer such an advanced healthcare facility to our dental patients. Here at Bridgewater Community Healthcare, we pride ourselves on providing personalised care and responding to their individual needs.
“We know that many of our patients find visiting new environments difficult. With this clinic, we’ve created a space where they can feel more comfortable, which invariably makes their experience of treatment a much more positive one. I’ve really enjoyed being able to meet our patients today and seeing how it all works in practice.”
Access to the service is on a referral basis from dentists, GPs, health care and social care professionals.
For more information about Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Community Dental Network, visit the website.