Uwais Patel, 16, said Lancashire University Hospitals wrote to him this week to confirm his appointment at Royal Preston Hospital has been booked for February 9, 2023.
He told the Post: “The appointment is for my tooth extractions as part of my orthodontic treatment, which cannot progress until I have had these extractions.
“Basically I had my upper braces fitted, but I cannot fit my lower braces until I have had these extractions.
“I really don’t agree to wait that long. At first I thought maybe it was a typo, so I contacted them, but they just told me it was as soon as possible for me, as it was the next available appointment. “
Uwais said he had already had four extractions on his upper teeth at his local dentist before having his upper brace fitted, but was then referred to Lancashire University Hospitals for two more extractions on his lower teeth.
He said he couldn’t have his lower brace fitted until these extractions on his lower teeth were taken care of. That means he won’t get a full set of braces until 2023, when he’s almost 19.
Lancashire University Hospitals have confirmed the Trust is grappling with a significant backlog of appointments due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A spokesperson for the hospital trust said: ‘Alongside every NHS trust, we are working hard to reduce the backlog of patients awaiting treatment, exacerbated by the impacts of the pandemic, by ensuring that those who most in need of care be considered a priority. “
Thanks for reading. If you enjoy what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription costs just £ 1 per month for the first two months. Try us out today by clicking HERE.
