A REDDITCH dental practice is under review after after private health care firm announced closure of 85 other branches
Bupa Dental Practice Redditch on Bromsgrove Road is one of the 44 surgeries being examined.
The group said patients at some practices were unable to access the NHS dental service they need.
Bupa, which provides NHS and private care, said the 85 practices would be closed, sold or merged later this year.
Mark Allan, general manager for Bupa Dental Care, said: “As a leading dental provider in the UK, our priority must be to enable patients to receive the care they need.
“For the majority of affected practices, this decision will allow commissioners to procure local providers for the NHS contract, tailoring services and investment to the needs of the local community, thereby providing a better opportunity for patients to continue access to NHS dental services.
“We fully understand the impact today’s decision has on our patients and our people within these practices.
“This decision has not been taken lightly and closure is a last resort.
“Despite our continued efforts, the dental industry is facing a number of significant and systemic challenges that are placing additional pressure on providing patient care, in particular recruiting dentists to deliver NHS dental care.”
Bupa Dental Practice Redditch could be sold later this year, but has not been confirmed.
