Newcastle North MP, Catherine McKinnell, has officially re-launched a Throckley dental surgery as an NHS practice, at an open day held last week.

The No. 1 Victoria Terrace Dental Clinic has recently been awarded a new NHS contract for the Throckley area, after the contract held by the previous dental surgery was ended in 2014.

The current clinic has been operating on a non-NHS basis since December 2014, but is now registering NHS dental patients old and new – and its nine staff are able to offer extended opening hours, including on Monday and Tuesday evenings until 8pm, and until 1pm on Saturdays.

A full refurbishment of No. 1 Victoria Terrace also means that the clinic is now fully accessible, with a stairlift for less mobile patients.

Catherine was joined at the recent celebration event by staff, patients, regulars at the nearby Throckley Community Centre, and Year 3 pupils from Throckley Primary School who were getting a crash course in good dental hygiene.

The Newcastle North MP has repeatedly lobbied NHS England for a replacement NHS dental practice for Throckley since 2014, and was invited to officially re-open the No. 1 Victoria Terrace Dental Clinic to mark the awarding of the new contract.

Patients wishing to register for NHS treatment at the practice should telephone 0191 267 7120, or email [email protected]

Catherine said:

‘I am absolutely thrilled that Throckley finally has its NHS dentist back!

‘This has taken many, many months of hard work and commitment from everyone at the new clinic, which has finally paid off.

‘The practice looks absolutely beautiful, and I wish them every success.’

Clinical Director at the practice, Rebecca Thorpe, said:

‘We are delighted to be able to welcome NHS patients back to the practice and once again provide the people of Throckley and the surrounding areas with good quality dental care.

‘We have all worked hard to make this happen and we would like to thank Catherine and our patients for their unfailing support.’