CLAIMS that a Minehead dental practice has had its NHS contract restored were refuted this week by health officials.

The Free Press reported in May how NHS Somerset had terminated a contract with Holloway House Dental Surgery, Minehead.

Earlier, Care Quality Commission inspectors made an unannounced visit to the practice and found not all regulations were being met and there was a lack of effective leadership, while risks needed to be better identified and mitigated.

Now, NHS Somerset has confirmed it has started a process to terminate the Holloway House NHS dental contract following ‘regulatory action involving the provider’.

A spokesperson told the Free Press: “The NHS Somerset process was initiated to ensure NHS dental services are delivered in line with the standards expected of NHS.”

However, they said dental surgery owner Dr Ajith George Behanan had contested the decision and was now involved in a contract dispute process led by NHS Resolution, ‘which may continue for some months, although exact timescales cannot be given’.

The spokesperson said: “While the NHS Resolution process is ongoing, the practice remains open and patients can attend appointments and receive treatment at the practice.

“During this time, planned appointments can be continued on the NHS, and the practice will continue providing open courses of NHS treatment.

“Patients may choose to continue or complete their treatment on a private basis if they wish.

“Any private treatment would be separate from NHS care and would be subject to private fees, which will be explained to patients in advance by the practice team.

“Patients are under no obligation to proceed privately.

“As with all dental practices, if the practice cannot accommodate a request for urgent dental care, patients should contact NHS 111.”

They said patients with queries or concerns can contact NHS Somerset’s advice and liaison service by calling 08000 851067 or emailing [email protected].