A FORMER taxi office in Redcar which is being converted into a dentist’s surgery will fulfil a “vital need” for residents.

Redcar and Cleveland Council has approved a change of use application for the former Club Cars office in Queen Street.

The property was recently refurbished and the new surgery is being sited in a retail unit on the ground floor.

A supporting statement submitted with the application by Dr Saranjit Nandhra, of Meadow Road, Harborne, Birmingham, said: “It is well known that there is a current critical shortage of NHS dentistry provision locally and nationally. 

“Establishing a dental practice in this area therefore fulfils a vital need for the local community. 

“The proposed change of use will make efficient use of the existing premises, which is in a sustainable location with appropriate service provisions and transport links.”

Ten full-time staff will be employed from the surgery once open.

Coatham ward councillor Carl Quartermain said: “This can only be positive news.

“I’m really pleased to see services like this that support health and well-being locating to the town and being accessible to residents.

“It can also help support local retail and hospitality offers in the area.”

Earlier this year a survey by the organisation Healthwatch revealed the struggle faced by many patients to get NHS dental care had been exacerbated by the covid-19 pandemic.

It said more than a third of people living in the North-East (35%) found it difficult to secure appointments with the poorest being worst affected.

Many existing surgeries are only beginning now to catch up with routine appointments for patients on their books after dentists were previously restricted to providing emergency care only.

 

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