Plea over cross-border treatment service

A Northern Ireland Office minister was today urged to help speed up a decision on whether a cross-border dental and facial treatment service will be given the go-ahead in the North.

Sinn Féin health spokesman John O’Dowd called on NIO minister Angela Smith to intervene as a proposal from the North Western Health Board in the Republic for a joint oral surgery and maxillofacial service with the Western Health and Social Services Board and Altnagelvin Hospital Trust in Derry awaited a response.

The service would be used for the treatment of facial injuries, diseases of the mouth and salivary glands and buried teeth.

It could also offer reconstructive surgery for facial disfigurement, fractures and deformities of the face and jaws.

Mr O’Dowd, an Assembly member for Upper Bann, explained: “The North Western Health Board’s proposal, which advocates a partnership between the above three agencies, would ensure the foundation for an expanded, sustainable and viable inter-regional oral and maxillofacial service in the medium to long-term.

“It is my understanding that the proposal has been already presented to the Department of Health and Children in Dublin and they have endorsed the proposal as an excellent model of cross-border health service provision.

“I also understand that concerns have been expressed, that in the event of this proposal not receiving the required financial and other support from DHSSPS in the North and from the North Western Health Board in the 26 counties, the service throughout entire region could be jeopardised.”

In Lincolnshire in England, dentists and doctors refer patients to a unit in the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole.

Mr O’Dowd revealed he had written to the minister seeking her help.

“I have also indicated my willingness to meet with her, or with senior departmental officials, to discuss this matter further if it would assist in accelerating the process,” the Sinn Féin MLA said.