Foreign-owned corporation Bupa has provided a statement around the recent closure of its Brunswick Holistic Dental Centre (BHDC), saying reduced patient volumes and the need for significant building renovations led to the decision.
Long-term employee and senior dentist, Dr Roy Gamma, told The Echo the April 16 closure was devastating for the community and staff.
He said, ‘there were no attempts to sell the practice, prior to breaking news to the staff’.
A Bupa Dental spokesperson told The Echo it was a difficult decision and was ‘part of Bupa Dental’s ongoing commitment to optimising its portfolio and providing the best possible network and care for patients’.
‘The Brunswick Holistic Dental Centre team has delivered amazing care and service to the local community over the years, but in recent times the practice has experienced reduced patient volumes and the need for significant building renovations.
‘While this closure is unfortunate, local residents are encouraged to view the Bupa Website for your nearest Bupa Members First network dental practice.’
The property owner of the dental building contacted The Echo to say they were surprised at the closure, and it came without much notice.
Regarding Bupa’s claims of reduced patient volumes, Dr Gamma believes there was ‘not enough practitioners to meet the demands of existing and new patients to the practice, which ultimately led to reduced patient volumes’.
Staff not replaced
‘Also, when practitioners leave and aren’t replaced, the book tends to fall apart. It’s so hard to build it up, and yet so easy to dismantle it’.
