Shona Robison praises new Perth dentist at Broxden

Aug 28 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

SHONA Robison, Scottish Government Minister for Public Health and Sport, cut the first turf at a new £7.6 million dental facility on the outskirts of Perth on Wednesday.

Work has already started on the construction of the Perth and Kinross Integrated Dental Treatment and Training Centre at Broxden Business Park.

It will comprise 20 surgeries, clinical skills training rooms, a dental laboratory, decontamination unit and office accommodation.

The state-of-the-art facility will improve access for the people of Perth and Kinross to a broader range of dental services, including emergency treatment, on the one site.

The Minister said: “This is going to be a first-class facility which will give thousands more people in the Perth area access to an NHS dentist.

“I have very much enjoyed seeing the work in progress today.

“It will provide 20 new surgeries, as well as training new dentists, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring that as many people as possible have access to an NHS dentist.

“This facility, which the Scottish Government has provided £4.5m for, is just one example of the work going on across Scotland to provide healthcare facilities that are fit for the 21st century.

“I’m sure it will be warmly welcomed by the people of Perth.”

NHS Tayside’s Perth and Kinross Community Health Partnership see dental care as a priority and the new facility will help meet the demand for NHS dentistry, as well as help retain dentists in the area.

The centre has also been designed to be adaptable to meet future demand and is conveniently located to be easily accessible for patients by both private and public transport.

It is expected that 7,000 registrations will be provided in the first year, increasing thereafter.

NHS Tayside chairman Sandy Watson said: “We are delighted to have the Minister here today to carry out the official cutting of the first turf for the new centre.

“This is a fit-for-purpose 21st century facility, meeting modern standards and is suitable for the needs of the people of Perth and Kinross.

“Not only will it ensure the best possible care is provided for patients, but the dedicated training centre offers a first-class educational environment for dental professionals at all stages of their career.”

Mansell were awarded the construction contract and their regional director Lindsay Cowan said: “We are delighted to once again be working with NHS Tayside with whom we have carried out a number of previous successful projects and established an excellent working relationship over the years.

“There is a good synergy between the two organisations as we both share a passionate commitment to safety, quality and the environment.

“This is a prestigious project which will provide a fabulous facility for the people of Perth and the surrounding area and we are delighted to be involved in its construction.”