The Lancaster MP has accused the prime minister of being ‘out of touch’ about the lack of NHS dentist provision.
During Prime Minister’s Questions, Cat Smith told Rishi Sunak about the issues faced in her constituency.
She said: ''There are no NHS Dentists taking on patients in Lancaster, and for my constituents lucky enough to have one, they’re waiting months for an appointment.
‘’So can I ask the prime minister, how long did he have to wait for his last dentist appointment?’’
In response, Rishi Sunak said: ‘’Mr Speaker, as a result of the new reformed NHS dentistry contract, there are now more NHS dentists in the UK, with more funding, so more people can get the treatment they need.
‘’Let me answer the lady directly. I am registered with an NHS dentist. I have used independent healthcare in the past, and I’m also grateful to the Friarage Hospital for the fantastic care they have given my family over the years.
‘’But the truth is, I’m proud to come from an NHS family, and that’s why I’m passionately committed to protecting it.
Ms Smith later commented: ‘’People who can’t get a NHS dentist appointment is one of the biggest issues they write to me about.
‘’So I asked the Prime Minister about how long he’s had to wait to see an NHS dentist.
‘’He didn’t answer my question. He deflected by staying he’s now got around to registering with an NHS GP. Something most of us do from birth and use all our lives.
‘’(He’s) very out of touch.’’
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