I WROTE to you recently about the lack of NHS dentists in the York area. My wife is suffering from a severe swelling to the left side of her face, possibly caused by an abscess.

I phoned the emergency dentist number and was informed that there wouldn't be a dentist available here until the next day.

I find this a totally ridiculous way to run an emergency walk-in centre. Surely all services should be available all the time?

I hope this letter encourages other people to voice their opinions about how the service is managed.

Mr N L Mayhew,

Derwent Estate,

Dunnington.

Updated: 10:19 Tuesday, November 23, 2004