The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs wishes to clarify the circumstances surrounding the temporary closure of the Grays Farm Dental Clinic.
A formal notice advising of the temporary closure of the clinic was issued in October 2025. This action was taken to facilitate specific improvement works requested by the Head of the Dental Department, Dr. Derek Marshall, as part of routine efforts to maintain acceptable standards within public healthcare facilities.
Following an initial assessment by the Ministry of Works and the team from the Ministry of Health, it became evident that the scope of work required at the facility was more extensive than originally anticipated. Additional deficiencies were identified which necessitated more in-depth interventions to ensure that the clinic meets the appropriate standards for the delivery of safe and quality dental care. Consequently, the clinic has remained temporarily closed while these matters are being addressed.
The Ministry underscores that residents who would normally access services at the Grays Farm Dental Clinic have not been disenfranchised. Arrangements were put in place to ensure continuity of care, and patients were advised to access dental services at the Villa Polyclinic, where accommodations have been made to meet their needs.
The Ministry of Works has been engaged regarding the required upgrades. However, due to competing national priorities involving other facilities in need of urgent and significant repairs, work at the Grays Farm Dental Clinic has not yet commenced.
The Ministry emphasizes that the extended closure is not a matter of neglect, but rather a deliberate decision to ensure that when the facility is reopened, it will meet and exceed the standards previously in place. The objective is to deliver a safer, more efficient, and improved environment for both patients and staff.
The Ministry appreciates the continued patience and understanding of the public as it works toward the long-term improvement of healthcare infrastructure.