14 February 2024 , 00:01
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Fill rotten gaps for all
When Britain’s top dentist concedes the Conservative Government’s plan won’t fix the rotten state of NHS dentistry then it is time to put Labour in the chair to end this painful decline of a vital public service.
The admission by Jason Wong, NHS England’s Chief Dental Officer, exposes the brutal truth behind a Tory blueprint that offers a sticking plaster rather than radical surgery to revitalise public dentistry.
Money is at the root of the problem when, in real terms after inflation, the £3billion budget for NHS dentistry is worth £1bn less than a decade ago with ludicrous contracts paying dentists no more for up to 20 fillings than it would for just three.
People in agony who are resorting to pulling out their own teeth with pliers or travelling 200 miles for treatment are shaming in a country where those with deep pockets are able to afford all sorts of private dental work. NHS dentists must be available for all rather than just those able to beat the waiting lists.
Wright loss
BBC radio DJ Steve Wright was a legend of the airwaves, a brilliant broadcaster absolutely full of life. No wonder his death, aged 69, stunned colleagues and his fans after decades of entertaining us on Radio 1 and 2.
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade
Wright’s humour, zest, generosity of spirit plus the depth of knowledge of a consummate presenter on air as recently as last Sunday were reasons why listeners felt they really knew him. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family in remembrance of a DJ who is gone too soon but will never be forgotten.
Ice legends
Skating off into retirement, majestic Torvill and Dean were for decades the King and Queen of ice. Thank you for all the wonderful memories when all lucky enough to watch their Gold medal-winning Bolero at the Sarajevo 1984 Winter Olympics will forever happily recall that ultimate performance.