Tuesday 8 April 2008

QUESTION
DENTAL CARE – WEST TAMAR CHILDREN
Mr FINCH (Question) - Would the Leader detail what measures have been put in place at Exeter school to enable children to obtain adequate dental care after the withdrawal of the dental health caravan at Exeter from 20 March 2008?  Children needing to access dental services will need to travel either to George Town or Launceston.  Can parents be assured that there will be no additional transport demands?

Mr PARKINSON - I thank the honourable member for his question.  Children of the West Tamar will be able to access services at either the Kelham Street clinic in Launceston or the new George Town clinic located in the George Town Hospital.  The area manager of Oral Health Services Tasmania has met with the school principals and the Exeter primary and high school associations and the Beaconsfield Primary School Association to discuss these interim arrangements.  A replacement service will be developed in close consultation with the West Tamar communities. 

Arrangements have been made with Beaconsfield Community Transport to ensure all children are able to access services.  Those who need to utilise transport services will be advised of these arrangements when they call to make an appointment