Dr. John CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to assist those patients having difficulty registering for NHS dental services in west Cumbria.
§ Dr. MawhinneyIt is the responsibility of family health services authorities (FHSAs) to ensure that national health service dental treatment remains accessible locally. FHSAs can apply for permission to employ salaried dentists if they consider it necessary to maintain services. Cumbria FHSA is able to assist those people who need help obtaining NHS dental treatment.
Dr. John CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dental practices in west Cumbria are now accepting new NHS patients.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThis information is not held centrally.
The hon. Member may wish to contact the chairman of Cumbria family health services authority, Mr. J. R. Wills, for details.