Health bosses have ended a contract with an NHS dentist in Douglas.

The Department of Health and Social Care is now looking for a new provider to replace Ravat and Ray, whose contract ends on March 31.

A spokesman for the DHSC said: ’Efforts by the department to resolve contractual issues with Ravat and Ray have unfortunately been unsuccessful.

’As a result, the department is seeking to appoint a new dental provider or providers to take over from Ravat and Ray, from April 1, and a procurement exercise is currently under way.’

Patients registered with Ravat and Ray Dental Care will be automatically transferred to the new practice, which may be located in the current premises at the old Noble’s Hospital site on Westmoreland Road, or elsewhere in the Douglas area.

The DHSC says it is working with Ravat and Ray to ensure a smooth transition for patients to the new provider and continuation of their care and treatment.

Minister for Health and Social Care David Ashford said: ’I thank Ravat and Ray for the service they have provided since 2015.

’The department has closely monitored the provision of NHS dentistry against agreed targets. Our decision to seek a new provider has been the result of careful consideration’.

He added: ’I know that some patients are concerned that they have lost their NHS dentist or that this is privatisation of the service.

’I can reassure them neither is the case. All the patients will be allocated to the new NHS provider.’