Following a campaign by the local community, a Bristol dental surgery is set to reopen.
Earlier in 2023, Bupa Dental Care closed 85 of its practices. Amongst the practices closed was St Paul's surgery in Bristol.
Since the announcement, patients and community members come together to form the Dental Action Group. The campaigners have been calling on the local Integrated Care Board (ICB) to find a replacement.
Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB have announced that SGA Services Ltd will be taking over the practice.
A spokesperson for NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB said, “We're pleased to have made a decision to award the contract to provide dental services in St Pauls, to SGA services Ltd. We’d like to thank members of the Dental Action Group and local community for their continued support throughout this process.”
The company also has two mixed practices - Twindent Dental Care in Southmead and Thornbury High Street Dental Practice.
Amirah Cole, a councillor for Ashley Ward, said to Bristol Live, “It’s good news to hear the contract has now been awarded. Let's hope it’s not too long before the practice doors are open to the community again.
“The campaign has been instrumental in keeping the need for a dentist in St Pauls on the ICB’s agenda since the Bupa Dental Practice closed. As a councillor, I have spoken to many residents who need dental care and have not been able to find accessible or affordable dental care."