ON Good Friday morning I developed a severe toothache. I thereupon rang NHS Direct who advised me to contact my own dentist.

Unfortunately he was only available until 10.30am and it was past that time.

I then went to the Carfax Street Emergency Dental Department, and was told I would have to wait, which was perfectly acceptable.

I completed five forms, but then, regrettably, let slip the fact that I was registered with a dentist. I was then informed that if I did have the treatment promised I would be struck off my own dentist's list of patients.

Obviously a person in pain was of no consequence whatsoever!

There were a number of other patients waiting, and I must assume that they were not registered with a dentist.

Comments please from my Member of Parliament.

R HOWELL

Walcot Road

Swindon