The first baby born on the NHS has revealed she is having to save to go private because she cannot get an NHS dentist. Aneira Thomas, 75, was born at one minute past midnight on the day the NHS began in 1948. And she says that the service’s founder, Labour health minister Nye Bevan, would be ashamed at what the Government has done to it.
The former nurse told the Mirror her son has even been forced to yank out two of his own teeth with pliers. She said: “We’re going back to the days when only the privileged few can afford proper healthcare.” Aneira, who was given the female version of Bevan’s first name Aneurin and is known by the shortened form Nye, said she fears the founding principle of the NHS won’t last her lifetime.
Dentists for All campaign Save NHS Dentistry petition Sign our petition to save NHS dentistry and make it fit for the 21st century Our 3 demands Everyone should have access to an NHS dentist More than 12 million people were unable to access NHS dental care last year – more than 1 in 4 adults in England. At the same time 90% of dental practices are no longer accepting new NHS adult patients. Data from the House of Commons Library showed 40% of children didn't have their recommended annual check-up last year.
Restore funding for dental services and recruit more NHS dentists The UK spends the smallest proportion of its heath budget on dental care of any European nation. Government spending on dental services in England was cut by a quarter in rea.