NWL Meeting with Harrow MPs

North West London Local Dental Committee, Harrow, meets with Bob Blackman MP and Gareth Thomas MP to address urgent dental care issues.

The North West London Local Dental Committee (LDC) recently met with Mr Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East) on 17th February and Mr Gareth Thomas MP (Harrow West) on 21st March 2025. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the Local Dental Committee and make stronger connections to strengthen relationships, to discuss the ongoing challenges in NHS dentistry and the need for urgent action to improve access to care in the borough and for the MPs consider taking on some action plans forward to leverage their support effectively for the greater good.

During the meeting, key issues were raised, including:

Support for Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) – The LDC urged MPs to ask what guidance is being provided to ICBs to help them address local oral health needs, particularly regarding innovative flexible commissioning.

Oral Health Needs Assessment (OHNA) in Harrow – The LDC suggested MPs question how, if the OHNA identifies gaps in care, sufficient resources will be allocated to meet these needs in a timely manner.

The LDC will work with local stakeholders to increase awareness among marginalised residents about how to raise issues about dental care with their representatives. 

Additionally, discussions highlighted the importance of integrating dental care within the wider healthcare system, particularly within Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs). Currently, dental services are not included in INTs, but the LDC will continue advocating for their integration.

We appreciate the continued support of our local MPs and look forward to furthering discussions to ensure better NHS dental care access for Harrow residents.

LDC Confederation

Rita Bagga( Director, North West London LDC )

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