HELP, I need a dentist.

I wonder how many of the readers have had trouble finding a dentist in Horwich or Bolton who accepts National Health patients! Yes, I have rung NHS Direct, who were very helpful, but the numbers they had given me were of no use as they did not take NHS patients.

I have worked most of my life until three years ago and paid my National Insurance and rarely used any of the area health services until now, when I have had to stop work due to various illness and disabilities.

I was registered with a dentist in Adlington up to two years ago, then that went private as well. It is another divide between them and us -- the working class or ex-working class have to pay, yet again, twice!

You can always take your chance by queuing at Lever Chambers for two hours in pain and feeling rough through long nights of being kept awake with toothache. The answer is the same whoever you contact -- this situation is stupid. Can anyone tell me of a dentist who will give treatment to someone who is not registered with them and willing to take them for emergency treatment without making them feel like a leper that no one wants to take on? The emergency treatment at Lever Chambers is only available at weekends, so woe betide anyone to get toothache during the week, as you can only go on Saturday and Sunday between 9.30am and 11am.

Janet Woodruff

Dale Street West

Horwich, Bolton