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New Legislation Will
Improve Access to NHS Pharmacy And Dental Services.
After events
in Kilbirnie recently this provision is overdue. The Bill will also
modernise dental services across North Ayrshire.
The Smoking, Health and Social Care Bill was passed by 97 votes to 17, in
the Scottish Parliament. It will see smoke-free pubs and restaurants in the
Three Towns and the Garnock Valley from 2006 and also introduces free eye
and dental checks for all, as well as simplifying the charging process for
NHS dental treatment and creating a new contract for NHS pharmaceutical
services.
After voting to pass the Bill Allan Wilson said:
“This is a landmark piece of legislation which has the potential to vastly
improve the nation’s health. As well as creating an extensive amount of new
smoke free areas in this area, by banning smoking in pubs and restaurants,
it will also introduce free eye and dental checks for all, and help improve
access to NHS pharmacy and dental services.”
“The Bill will ensure oral health assessments and dental checks are provided
free of charge making it illegal for practitioners to charge for these
services. After events in Kilbirnie recently this provision is overdue. The
Bill will also modernise dental services across North Ayrshire and help
health boards take a more active role in securing and providing dental
services” said Mr Wilson.
“Provisions within the Bill will remove the existing link between treatment
and fee charged and allow for the introduction of a more flexible charging
system. It will also allow health boards to extend treatments available”
said Mr Wilson.
“It’s clear that smoking presents the greatest challenge to Scotland’s
health. We therefore have to take strong action on smoking, reduce exposure
to smoke, and provide people with the help and support needed to quit.
Smoking is the biggest preventable cause of premature death in Scotland,
killing around13, 000 people per year. That amounts to 35 deaths every
single day, and that represents a 35 a day habit that we have to kick” said
Mr Wilson.
“That’s why these proposals to curb smoking in public places have received
such widespread support from health professionals and were also supported by
the vast majority of the Scottish Parliament. I believe that this Bill will
make Scotland a healthier place to live and work and that future generations
of Scots will have good cause to thank this generation of Scottish
Parliamentarians for their foresight in passing this Bill” concluded Mr
Wilson.
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