LCHG apologised for the delays which it said had been caused by staffing shortages.

Chief medical officer at LCHG, Professor Ciro Rinaldi, said: ‘We have recently experienced significant staffing shortages within the orthodontic service in Lincolnshire, which has resulted in minimal appointment availability for a period of time. 

‘We would like to offer our sincere apologies to patients affected by this, and recognise that it may have caused concern. 

‘We have been working with NHS Lincolnshire ICB and partners to create additional orthodontic capacity and recruit into the service, so that care continues to be delivered safely and appropriately.   

‘We have recently been successful in recruiting additional staff and are now able to book more appointments, prioritising those with the most clinical need.'

An ICB spokesperson said: ‘We recognise the concern and disruption that delays to orthodontic appointments can cause for patients and their families.

‘NHS Lincolnshire ICB has been working closely with United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and other partners to support the provision of orthodontic services in Lincolnshire following significant staffing pressures within the trust's service.

‘This work has focused on creating additional orthodontic capacity and supporting recruitment into the service, so that patients can continue to receive safe and appropriate care. We welcome the recent recruitment of additional staff, which means more appointments can now be made available, with patients prioritised according to clinical need.

‘We will continue to work with the Trust and our partners to support the service and ensure patients receive appropriate care.'