Lincolnshire hospital chiefs apologise for orthodontist appointment shortage

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 4 Nov, 13:50 · Archive

Lincolnshire hospital chiefs have apologised after significant staff shortages caused patients to struggle to book orthodontist appointments.

Hospital chiefs in Lincolnshire have apologised for 'significant staff shortages' within the orthodontist service that caused patients to struggle to book appointments. The United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, covering hospitals in Boston, Lincoln and Grantham, acknowledged the 'significant pressures' within the service.

Chief medical officer at Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group, Professor Ciro Rinaldi, said the shortages had resulted in 'minimal appointment availability for a period of time'. He added: 'We would like to offer our sincere apologies to patients affected by this, and recognise that it may have caused concern.'

The trust has been working with NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board to create additional capacity and recruit staff. Officials have recently recruited additional staff members, which will enable more appointments to be offered. Appointments are now being prioritised for those with the most clinical need. NHS Lincolnshire ICB acknowledged that delays to orthodontist appointments can cause 'concern and disruption' for patients and families, and thanked them for their 'patience, understanding, and continued support'.

How it is being reported

• Lincolnshire hospital chiefs apologise after ‘significant staff shortages’ caused appointment issuesOfficials said they’ve recruited additional staffLincolnshire Live · 4 Nov, 13:11
• Lincolnshire hospital chiefs apologise for 'significant staff shortages' causing orthodontist appointment shortageHospital chiefs have apologised for ‘significant staff shortages.Lincolnshire World · 3 Nov, 18:45
• Lincolnshire hospital chiefs apologise for 'significant staff shortages' causing orthodontist appointment shortageHospital chiefs have apologised for ‘significant staff shortages.Lincolnshire World · 3 Nov, 15:08

In this story: United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust · Professor Ciro Rinaldi · NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board · Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group · Boston · Lincoln · Grantham

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