§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department proposes to take to increase NHS Dental Service provision in the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale area; and if he will make a statement. [89594]
§ Jacqui SmithPatients in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale can, where necessary, gain access to national health service dental services by calling NHS Direct.
The working group, 'Options for Change', has proposed new methods of service delivery and would allow the NHS locally to place a greater emphasis upon preventive care and reducing oral health inequalities.
§ Mr. Peter ViggersTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what NHS dentistry services are available to new adult patients in the Gosport area. [89858]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 14 January 2003]: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Strategic Health Authority has confirmed that currently no national health service dentists within Gosport are accepting new adult patients. Emergency dentistry for new adult patients, is available from the dental access centre in Fareham. Dental practices in Gosport will also provide emergency treatment to such patients.
New patients wishing to access NHS dentistry in the surrounding area can obtain information on practices accepting adult patients from Fareham and Gosport Primary Care Trust or NHS Direct. The strategic health authority has advised me that registrations are being accepted in Southsea, Portsmouth and Cosham.