PCT invests to increase access

A primary care trust (PCT) is to invest £400,000 into its 17 local practices in order to increase access for NHS patients within the city.

The Sheffield Primary Care Trust will supply the practices with funds in order to allow them to accept new patients and to give faster treatment to those awaiting treatment.

Julia Newton, director of finance for the PCT, said her organisation is aware that some people struggle to access such care.

This, she continued, is “why we are currently maximising our financial resources to ensure money is spent where it is needed most”.

Research conducted earlier this year by Citizens Advice revealed millions of people in England and Wales have failed to attend a dentist since spring 2006, because they have been unable to find a practice which will treat them.

It found that of the 7.4 million people who were unable to find NHS treatment, 4.7 million used a private service and 2.7 million went without.