A UNION today strongly denied it had agreed to a controversial health board plan to shut Inverclyde Royal’s specialist dental unit.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) had issued a statement claiming trade unions have been consulted on the proposal and had approved the plan to move services to Greenock Health Centre and Glasgow with the possible loss of six jobs.

But angry Unison divisional convener, Raymond O’Donoghue, insists there was NO agreement.

Mr O’Donoghue said: “It’s appalling they are saying we are backing this plan.

“There has clearly been a breakdown in communications.

“We are definitely opposed to the proposal.” Unison’s assistant secretary in Glasgow, Frances Lyall, also said the union was ‘bemused’ by the health board’s claim.

Bosses had said that that current IRH facilities for orthodontic services are part of a review of oral health services across the whole of Greater Glasgow & Clyde.

But the Tele has been told there will be a number of disadvantages involved in moving the unit, which was refurbished only four years ago.

A source said there will be a poorer service, more travel for patients, that a private company will be brought in to do dental technician work, there will be a loss of x-ray, photography and secretarial input and delays in sending letters.

It is also said there is a lack of space at Greenock Health Centre, which is due to close anyway because of the cost of repairing it.

Responding to the claims, the board said: “Investment of £50,000 is required to create the facilities at the health centre, but this is less than would be needed to bring the facilities at the hospital up to required standards.

“Should Greenock Health Centre re-locate to new premises in future, the equipment will be transferred to any new facility.” The spokeswoman also stressed that neither the IRH dental rooms, which are available only four days a week, nor the on-site dental laboratory meet current infection control standards, and the laboratory would need ‘substantial’ financial investment to upgrade to an appropriate standard.

She added: “Trades unions have been consulted on this proposal and have given it their approval. The proposals also have the backing of the senior clinicians responsible for oral health services within NHSGGC.

“We have now entered discussions with the four part-time and two full-time members of staff in the orthodontic unit with a view to transferring the service in the summer.

“No member of staff will suffer detriment as a result of the transfer of the service to improved facilities.”