The British Dental Association has applauded the Women’s Institute’s landslide vote to launch a national campaign pressing the next Government to act to end the growing crisis in NHS dental services.
The motion was passed by an overwhelming majority of over 95% of delegates at the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) Annual Meeting, held this year at the WI’s ‘spiritual home’, the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Melissa Green, CEO of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI), said: “Our members recognise that there is a chronic shortage of NHS Dentists and people are suffering serious health issues as a result. This resolution has garnered the support of thousands of our members – and we’re now calling on the post-Election Government to increase investment in the training and retention of dentists, and to review the current, woeful, NHS situation.”
Addressing WI members live at the event, British Dental Association Chair, Eddie Crouch, gave a passionate speech to bolster the case for support.
Speaking once the vote had passed, he said: “Politicians on all sides should take heed of this vote. The WI is a body that has struck fear into Prime Ministers. NHS dentistry’s future hangs in the balance, but it’s chances have gone up with the Women’s Institute on side.”
The NFWI is now urging its network of over 180,000 women to take action by quizzing local candidates and parties pre-election on their policies on NHS dental services, and next to pressure MPs and local decision makers after the General Election.
