NHS ignores day-to-day needs

The government seems to have forgotten the day-to-day health care issues affecting everyday lives, Which? says.

 

Research found that only 36 per cent of UK dental practices are taking on new NHS patients.

 

Two out of three people have tried to book a dental appointment in the last year. Of these, 38 per cent didn't even attempt to get an NHS appointment. Of those who did try, a quarter found it difficult.

 

Which? mystery shopping results show that NHS dental care is still a postcode lottery.

 

People living in the North West of England, Yorkshire and Humberside and South Central England are less likely than average to have access to NHS dentistry. Around 15 per cent of dental practices in these areas are taking on any new NHS patients.

 

In contrast, around 60 per cent of practices in London and the West Midlands are open to new NHS patients.

 

Which? health campaigner Frances Blunden says: "The government has ploughed enormous amounts of money into the NHS but on the ground the public are seeing cuts in services and considerable difficulties getting treatment. In dentistry we’ve found that where needs are not currently being met, people are either putting off having treatment or are being forced to go private. Difficulties in getting NHS dentistry is a real everyday healthcare issue that the government needs to focus on."