§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Health by how much the minimum charge for dental treatment has risen in(a) cash and (b) real terms in each year since 1979.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThere is no minimum charge for national health service dental treatment. All treatment for those under 18 years is free, and 21 per cent. of adult courses of treatment are provided with full or partial relief from charges.
§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the location in England of emergency national health service dental units which are open at weekends; what is the average waiting time for a patient at each of these units; what guidance is given as to the recommended weekend opening hours and staffing levels of such units; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe 43 family health services authorities providing emergency dental services at weekends are shown in the table. These arrangements provide cover for patients in 84 family health services authority localities. Information on the average waiting time is not available centrally. Opening hours and staffing levels are matters for local decision. In addition, emergency treatment can also be provided by hospital accident and emergency departments.
Family health services authorities providing emergency dental services at weekends and hunk holidays
- Cleveland
- Humberside
- North Yorkshire
- Bradford
- Kirklees
- Leeds
- Wakefield
- Leicestershire
- Nottinghamshire
- Doncaster
- Sheffield
- Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow
- Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster
- Camden and Islington
- City and East London
- Enfield and Haringey
- East Sussex
- Kent
- Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham
- Surrey
- West Sussex
- Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth
- Dorset
- Hampshire
- Wiltshire
- Buckinghamshire
- Devon
- Shropshire
- Staffordshire
634 - Dudley
- Wolverhampton
- Cheshire
- Liverpool
- St. Helens and Knowsley
- Lancashire
- Bolton
- Bury
- Manchester
- Oldham
- Rochdale
- Salford
- Trafford
- Wigan