A team working within the Oral Health Directorate at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have been successful in securing funding to support vulnerable families and children.
The oral health team have secured £37,447 towards their health improvement idea that will be used to support vulnerable families and children in achieving optimal oral care as part of the Q Exchange program.
The Q Exchange program aims to help develop project ideas to create a positive impact across the health and care system with NHSGGC Oral Health Directorate being the only successful Scottish bid in a field of 120 submissions.
As part of the bid, the oral health team identified that that non-attendance for appointments can be linked to barriers in communication with services, poor understanding of the treatment required and what alternative treatment options are available. High levels of non attendance impact negatively on waiting times and can cause delays.
The overall aim of the project is to improve communication and service experience for vulnerable families in order to improve attendance and increase the number of patients utilising treatment options alternative to general anaesthetic and reduce waiting lists, alongside the following:
• Reduce the time for vulnerable families to engage with dental services
• Reduce the number of failed appointments with vulnerable families
• Increase the number of vulnerable children who have alternative dental treatment to a general anaesthetic
Lisa Dorrian, General Manager Oral Health Directorate at NHSGGC, said: “We are delighted to be awarded the funding from the Q Exchange Project, our team are committed to improving oral health outcomes for vulnerable families and children within our communities and this project is an opportunity to further enhance the work we do.
“By developing a training package to be delivered by Dental Health Support Workers, we will be able to provide education at the earliest opportunity to support informed decision making on treatment options.
“The team worked tirelessly to pull together such a strong case for funding and deserve to be recognised for the work that they are doing to help support families across NHSGGC.”