Written question asked by Lord Hammond of Runnymede (Conservative) on Tuesday, 11 January 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 January 2000. It was answered by John Denham (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 January 2000 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the (a) average and (b) maximum waiting times have been for treatment for patients using each of the first two dental access centres. - Info not available in form required. (Holding answer 17 January 2000).

Answer: Mr. Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the (a) average and (b) maximum waiting times have been for treatment for patients using each of the first two dental access centres. [104776] Mr. Denham: [holding answer 17 January 2000]: The information is not available in the form requested. However, at the Cornwall dentist access centre, protocol is that people presenting with a dental emergency are seen on the same day or the following day. At the Shropshire dental access centre, protocol in both cases is that a patient with a swollen face will be seen the same day and that patients presenting with pains, considering themselves to be in need of urgent treatment, are seen within 24 hours. Patients with minor ailments and suffering no pain will be seen within a week.

Secondary information