A DAD of two from Old Town says families have been left in the lurch after his children's dentist suddenly dropped all its NHS patients.

Dan Lancaster's six and eight-year-old sons have had regular checkups and treatments at Clyde House for the last five years.

But earlier this month, he received an email from the Bath Road dental practice saying his boys' upcoming appointments had been cancelled and he would have to pay up if he wanted them to be seen by their usual dentist.

The 47-year-old said: "I was quite shocked and frustrated by this. The system is failing patients.

"This is a problem that's happening all over Swindon, dentists are going fully private, it's a real challenge for families, and lots of people are struggling with it.

"I've spent the last few years trying to find an NHS dentist for myself but could not find any available anywhere. I've had teeth problems but have not been able to go private until very recently when I got a new job.

"As soon as I received the email from Clyde House, I phoned another dentist - expecting to be told they had no places - but they agreed to take my children on as NHS patients.

"It was just luck, really. I think if I'd left it even a day later, I'd still be looking now because other people I know who are in the same situation also called that dentist and were told the practice was not taking on patients."

Swindon Advertiser: Clyde House dental practice on Bath RoadClyde House dental practice on Bath Road (Image: Google Maps)

In an email seen by the Adver, Clyde House apologetically informed Mr Lancaster that Dr Vesela Stoynovska will no longer be available to treat NHS patients from January 30.

The practice is managed by Dr Michael Frain Ltd. Dr Keith Garber is one of the company's directors.

He said: “We have provided NHS care at Clyde House for over 20 years and this is not a decision we’ve taken lightly.

“The facts are since 2006, we have been working to a contract Parliament’s Health Committee dubbed unfit for purpose. It’s a failed system that puts government targets ahead of patient care.  

“The result is we’ve struggled to recruit and retain team members. Key vacancies have gone unfilled for the past five years - and particularly the last 12 months - and we just couldn’t go on this way.  

“Over summer, the Prime Minister pledged to ‘restore’ NHS dentistry. Sadly, we’ve seen little sign the government was ready to keep that promise.”