SNP hopefuls Callum MacMillan and Donald Manford have hit out at NHS Western Isles over the imminent closure of Lochboisdale Dental Clinic.
Weeks before a public consultation over centralising the practice, the health board went ahead with a sudden decision to shut it anyway.
The local NHS says the building is not fit for purpose.
Patients now face with round trips of up to 60 miles to see the nearest dentist in Liniclate.
People are angered by the move and the motive is being widely questioned.
Callum MacMillan commented: “This has clearly been done to coincide with the current plans for the Dental Hub in Benbecula. These have been rejected by communities in Uist at every opportunity yet officials in Stornoway continue to persist with them.
“If the building is genuinely unfit for purpose then why has it been allowed to operate in this condition for the last 3 years? Why was so little notification given to staff or patients? Why are patients now being expected to take round trips of up to 60 miles just to see a dentist?
“There are a huge number of unanswered questions the Health Board need to address. Gordon Jamieson should come to South Uist in person to answer them.”
Donald Manford said: “This is a stark illustration of what is currently wrong with the provision of public services the length of the Western Isles. Communities need to be at the forefront of decision making; they should not be viewed as obstacles to be sidestepped.
“Ignoring community needs, insults Locality Group objectives and disregards grassroots-
Council candidates condemn dentist closure
5 April 2017