Modern dental surgery for patients with special needs

A podiatry consulting room at Gosport War Memorial Hospital has been transformed into a dental surgery to help more patients with special needs access treatment.

Solent NHS Estates led the £115,000 refurbishment, which has resulted in a modern, airy and fully equipped fourth dental room for patients across South East Hampshire.

The team provides dental care for special care patients of all ages with learning or physical disabilities, complex medical conditions, mental health issues and high treatment needs.

Some patients receive familiarisation visits before their appointments and, in general, the time spent with each adult or child tends to be longer than an appointment at a mainstream dental practice.

Solent NHS Estates, which specialises in providing modern healthcare facilities which are fresh, fit for purpose and future proof, removed the old podiatry fittings before installing and decorating the new state-of-the-art dental surgery.

Mark Young, Associate Director of Estates Transformation, said: “This bright new dental suite is an example of how a fairly small project can make a big difference to our staff and patients. We worked closely with the clinical team to provide a modern, welcoming environment which will be pleasant to both work and be treated in, and hopefully help put patients at ease.”