Saint Francis has confirmed the rumor: the adult dental services that had been provided at the Burgdorf/Bank of America Clinic on Coventry Street will no longer be available in that Blue Hills neighborhood location. Instead, those relying on these services will need to schlep to the Saint Francis Dental Center, 1000 Asylum Avenue in Asylum Hill.
Though described by St. Francis as a mere two miles apart, the concern coming from residents is that those most in need of the services — the uninsured and underinsured — often rely on public transportation, which in Hartford, has room for improvement. Community members worry that those who need these services most will not continue to receive them due to the inconvenience of travel.
Our questions posed earlier this week about this move were responded to today, Friday. Monday is when the transfer of adult dental services will occur. The OB-GYN services will also be “transitioned” to the main St. Francis campus.
We were told that the pediatric dental services will remain at the Burgdorf Clinic and that there was no job impact regarding the transition of these services. The Media Relations Manager for St. Francis says that this move will mean an expansion of pediatric dental services on Coventry Street. The adult dental clinic relocation will mean expanded hours for services.
According to St. Francis, patients have been notified and can continue receiving services from the same providers.
Not everyone believes that patients received the notification required, however.
The Ryan White Positive Empowerment Committee has indicated that patients, most of which reside in north neighborhoods of Hartford, have not been completely informed about this move. In response, the committee has created a petition asking that St. Francis reconsider this move of dental and OB-GYN services. At the time of publication, the survey has over 100 signatures.
Any patients who have questions about the adult dental services can call 860-714-5782.