Public opinion
gathering opinions was used including focus groups and questionnaires. The focus groups
concentrated on ‘hard to reach’ groups and included; people with a learning disability, mental health service users, young people, older people, par- ents of young children, rural women, ethnic minority com- munity representatives and people with a physical disability. The Patient and Client
Council spoke to people in their workplace, further education students, community groups and members of the public through street consultations in each Health and Social Care Trust area. Stella Cunningham from the
Patient and Client Council said: “The fact that so many people took the time to share their views on dental services is testament to the value and importance people in Northern Ireland place on health and social care services.
“When people receive dental
services, the level of satisfaction is high, however there is difficulty in accessing services. There is a degree of confusion about whether or not treatment is provided by NHS (HSC) dentists, and by private treat- ment. There is also confusion about the registration arrange- ments for NHS (HSC) services. There is a clear perception that it is hard to find an NHS (HSC) dentist within a reasonable trav- elling distance. “Treatment is viewed as
expensive and people are worried about the lack of information regarding costs. Retired people, rural dwellers, migrant workers and minority ethnic groups were identified as disadvantaged groups in the current system. There was support for the suggestion that NHS (HSC) funding and services should concentrate on a smaller number of basic treatments.” The Patient and Client Council is making a number of
recommendations to the Department of Health and Social Services and Public Safety to address issues includ- ing best practice guidance for dentists on notice for patients on registration, benefits of good dental care, public information for patients about costs, access and entitlement and prioritising basic dental treatments. A full report will be available to download from
www.patientclientcouncil.
hscni.net and hard copies will be available on request by calling 0800 917 0222. One way of getting involved in sharing views and expe- riences of health and social care services is by joining the Patient and Client Council Membership Scheme. The Membership Scheme is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, with over 800 members, since its inception this year. By becoming a mem- ber, people have the opportunity to have a say on local and regional issues in
health and social care. It is free to join and each member decides how much or how little they are involved.
® To become a member or for more information, visit the Patient and Client Council website
www.patientclientcouncil.hscni.net or telephone 0800 9170222.
Ireland’s Dental magazine 15
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