South Tyneside gives some of the best access to dental care in the country, according to the Healthcare Commission.

It questioned hundreds of people over the age of 16 in the borough as part of its fourth national survey of local health services.
South Tyneside Primary Care Trust (PCT) received a score of 74 out of 100 when patients were asked if they were able to visit a dentist regularly as an NHS patient if they wanted to, putting it in the best performing 20 per cent of trusts in England.

It also scored highly for doctors treating patients with respect and dignity, listening to what they had to say and the cleanliness of GP practices and health centres.

But patients were unhappy with the length of time they wait for an appointment with their GP and not being told how long they would have to wait when they arrive for their consultation.

Jan Forster, associate director of primary care and joint commissioning for the PCT, said: "This year's primary care survey shows that services in South Tyneside are excellent in parts, such as access to an NHS dentist.

"There are some pockets, however, where we want to see much higher levels of patient satisfaction and where there is still room for improvement. We want everybody to be able to access, and benefit from, the highest levels of care and satisfaction.

"We have recently worked with local GP practices, for example, to extend their opening hours. 

"In addition, the PCT has received £3.4m from the Department of Health to set up a new GP-led health centre and two new GP practices in areas with the lowest numbers of doctors and the highest health need.

"These new services will not replace existing practices, but will provide additional facilities, which will improve patients' choice.

"The new services will provide convenient access to GPs at times that suit them and will contribute to improved patient satisfaction."