18 December 2023 , 22:21
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Most dentists shutting their doors to new adult patients is a frontline health service in painful decline.
Reviving the treatment of teeth must be a priority for the likely next Labour Government when Conservative decline is rotten, victims of Tory neglect suffering unnecessarily in agony. Labour Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s plan to strengthen prevention and improve treatment in England, Wales and Scotland responsible for their own national services, is a shining example of how a change of political rule would be beneficial.
The current public-private relationship between the NHS and dentists isn’t working in the public’s interest when far too many folk are unable to get an appointment never mind secure remedial work.
We all need to take better care of our teeth, brushing regularly and avoiding sugary foods and drinks, but the ability to see a dentist promptly is a fundamental right requiring effective enforcing. When it comes to dentistry, we deserve an NHS with bite.
Assisted dying
One of the most trusted figures in public life, MPs should listen when Esther Rantzen calls for a free vote in Parliament on assisted dying. The champion of the young, old and consumers has stage four lung cancer so is only too well aware of the fate that may await her when she wishes to die with dignity.
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade
If it is right that families taking terminally ill relatives to Dignitas in Switzerland are not prosecuted, then it surely must be wrong the same caring relatives could be prosecuted for helping an Esther to die in Britain in Darlington, Dundee, Dinas Powis or Dagenham. The law may not, alas, be changed in time for Esther but it can and must be for others.
Alex Batty back home
Disappeared teenager Alex Batty is like everybody else who at this time of year is looking forward to being with those they love after long spells away. Except when he’s glad to be at home for Christmas after vanishing for SIX years – the length of the Second World War – there is a hell of a lot of catching up to do.