Cumbrian Bupa Dental Care practices at risk of closure

The 85 closures are set to affect around 1,200 staff across the UK. 

Bupa currently offers its services in Barrow-in-Furness, Brampton, Keswick, Egremont, Kendal, Maryport, Whitehaven and Carlisle. 

The dental provider said the decision came amid patients at the affected practices not being able to access the NHS dental service they need.

Bupa, which provides NHS and private dental care, said the 85 practices will be closed, sold or merged later this year, bringing the total number of practices in the UK down to 365.

READ MORE: 'Trying to find an NHS dentist near Carlisle is like pulling teeth'

Currently only the Barrow-in-Furness practice is guaranteed that it will be closing however, branches in Keswick, Brampton, Egremont, Kendal and Maryport have been earmarked for potential closure over the next 12 months. 

General manager for Bupa Dental Care, Mark Allan, said: “As a leading dental provider in the UK, our priority must be to enable patients to receive the care they need.

"For the majority of affected practices, this decision will allow commissioners to procure local providers for the NHS contract, tailoring services and investment to the needs of the local community, thereby providing a better opportunity for patients to continue access to NHS dental services.

"We fully understand the impact today’s decision has on our patients and our people within these practices.

"This decision has not been taken lightly and closure is a last resort.

"Despite our continued efforts, the dental industry is facing a number of significant and systemic challenges that are placing additional pressure on providing patient care, in particular recruiting dentists to deliver NHS dental care," he said. 

Bupa said it would be handing back the dental contract to the NHS for practices that are set to close meaning a new provider can be found to continue treating patients in the area.