§ Mr. PatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what funding is to be made available to the review of NHS dentistry in Shropshire and Staffordshire; when the review is due to be completed; and if it is his policy to follow up the recommendations of the review. [30386]
§ Ms BlearsWest Midlands North National Health Service Workforce Confederation is currently undertaking a review of NHS Dentistry in Shropshire and Staffordshire on behalf of Shropshire health authority, South Staffordshire health authority and North Staffordshire130W health authority. This work will enable the health authorities to quantify recruitment and retention issues and identify possible local solutions.
In keeping with our determination to decentralise decision-making in the NHS, and as this is a local review, all decisions with regard to funding and implementation will be a matter for the health authorities involved.