Watchdog Highlights Inaccuracies in NHS Dental Service Information in North Somerset
A patient watchdog based in North Somerset has called for improvements in the information services provided by the NHS. This comes as a bid to prevent confusion and make it easier for patients to access accurate and up to date details about NHS dentistry in their local area.
Healthwatch North Somerset accuses the NHS of failing to provide patients with accurate information through its NHS Choices website and 111 helpline. Some of the information is out of date and many practices advertise places that are not actually available.
According to findings, only 55 percent of practices advertising available places were offering registration for new patients and many only accepted children. Healthwatch Somerset telephoned all 27 surgeries listed on the NHS Choices website. 18 advertised places, but only 10 offered new patient places.
Georgie Bigg is chair of the watchdog, and said the investigation confirmed that patients have difficulty accessing up to date information. It highlights a need for improvements in the accuracy of information provided by NHS services. The group has suggested several improvements to NHS England and local dental practices.
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