§ 22. Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to increase public awareness of the complaints procedures in respect of NHS dentists. [10377]
§ Mr. MaloneA national health service dentist is required by the regulations covering NHS general dental services in England and Wales to
inform his patients about the practice based complaints procedure which he operates".A supply of public information leaflets and posters was sent to all NHS trusts, family health services authorities, community health councils and family health services practitioners for use from 1 April 1996 when the new system was implemented. In addition, leaflets and posters have been supplied to all citizens advice bureaux, main public libraries and health information service outlets. The leaflet is also available in the 11 most commonly used ethnic minority languages.