Dental service to resume this year

DENTAL operations for vulnerable patients are due to resume at Bridgend’s Princess of Wales Hospital later this summer after major problems with its roof were identified last year, health chiefs were told.

- RICHARD YOULE Senior local democracy reporter

The regional general anaesthetic dental service treats adults and children with severe special needs and varying levels of disability.

A report before Swansea Bay University Health Board said issues with theatre staffing at Princess of Wales Hospital had been ongoing for years and that waiting times for the anaesthetic service had grown since a number of health services moved out from the hospital temporarily due to emergency roof work.

Deborah Lewis, Swansea Bay University Health Board’s chief operating officer, told colleagues at a meeting the general anaesthetic dental service would be up and running again at the hospital, acknowledging that the delays would have caused stress for many patients.

"I have had assurance that August will be when waiting lists are going back in place," she said.