Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil has backed furious campaigners who are facing a 60-mile round trip to the dentist with the closure of their local surgery.
Last week, NHS Western Isles took the decision to shut the Lochboisdale Dental Clinic on South Uist which will leave patients having to make the long trip to get to the nearest dentist in Liniclate on neighbouring Benbecula.
Mr MacNeil is now calling on NHS Western Isles to listen to the communities who have serious concerns about the future of dental provision.
“It is extremely disappointing to see that NHS Western Isles have taken this step to close the Lochboisdale Dental Clinic,” he said.
“Dental patients will now have to make a 60 mile round trip to see a dentist, this will be very difficult for many people, particularly those who depend on public transport.
“People in Uist are extremely disappointed and angry, instead of reducing services NHS Western Isles must listen to communities.”
The Lochboisdale surgery is due to close for good on April 13 on the grounds of “quality and safety.”
The health board ruled the clinic would shut “as soon as practicable.”
A health board statement said: “A range of failings were identified during a recent environmental audit undertaken at Lochboisdale Dental Clinic by the NHS Western Isles Infection Prevention and Control Team.
“The extent and wide range of issues identified means that the premises cannot be rendered fully fit for purpose.
“This has resulted in the decision being taken to close the surgery on quality and safety grounds, and to provide services for current patients in alternative premises.”