William Chews Media's Ear So He Can Bite Into A Steak

The Age

Thursday June 23, 2005

TOM NOBLE, HEALTH EDITOR

A 74-YEAR-OLD Ferntree Gully pensioner will be fitted for new dentures this morning after his surprise leap on the public waiting list days after appearing in Melbourne's media.

In last Wednesday's Age, William Hurkens said he had been waiting for new government-subsidised dentures since early 2001, and had been told he could expect to wait until next year for a fitting.

The story was picked up by television, radio and his local paper, the Knox Leader.

On Monday, he received a letter from one of the state's top health bureaucrats, Chris Brooks, who said people with urgent denture problems were seen within 24 hours and could be treated in three months, despite the long waiting list.

"If you feel your need is now urgent, you can contact the clinic to see if you need to be reassessed," the letter said.

On Tuesday, Mr Hurkens went to his clinic seeking to be reassessed. He delivered a note making the request, then returned home to find a letter in the mail from the clinic with a voucher for new dentures from a private practitioner.

"I think it's very strange that suddenly I am right on top of the list and it's my turn to get help," he said yesterday. "A fortnight ago I had to wait six or perhaps 12 months."

Mr Hurkens said the publicity about his teeth had prompted comments from his family and neighbours, and he had been recognised while out shopping.

"I have stirred up a hornet's nest," he said. "Due to that they have suddenly pulled a voucher out of the barrel, which helps me. I hope other people follow my example and start stirring things up."

The average wait for dentures at the state's 61 clinics is almost three years.

Mr Hurkens expects to be able to throw out his 20-year-old dentures in two weeks, when his new teeth arrive.

"I am very happy it is coming to an end and in the next fortnight I can have a juicy steak," he said.