A REVIEW has been launched by Allerdale Borough Council to look at access to health service in the borough, after many people have reported difficulties in accessing GP and dentistry appointments.

The review was set up by the council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee as part of the work programme for the coming year, after 'significant concerns' were raised by residents and councillors in the borough, over access to GP and dentistry appointments.

Co-chair of the committee, as well as chair of Cumbria Health Scrutiny Committee, Carni Mccarron Holmes, said: "So many people have expressed concerns, which have actually come as far as the county committee. This isn't only local to West Cumbria, it's a problem it appears throughout the county now.

"This isn't something that can just be left, it has to be addressed."

At a meeting on Friday, May 27 the committe decided to set up a focus group that will review the access to health services, GP's and dentistry.

The main aims will be to:

To consider the delivery of GP and dentistry services with particular regard to services in Workington  proposed that the first two take place in the first half of the municipal year;

To scrutinise the plans of the NHS for these services;

To work with County Health Scrutiny, Health Watch and Patient Participation Groups to understand the needs of the community in these services.

Co-chair of Allerdale's Overview and Scrutiny Committee Micheal Heaslip said: "We have become aware of significant concerns from councillors and members of the public about accessing appointments to GP's and dentistry services.

"The council has decided to look into it and see if we can work with the County Health Scrutiny, Health Watch and Patient Participation Groups to try and remedy the problem."

If you have your own story of problems in accessing GP or dentistry appointments in the area and would like to share your story, please email: bridget.dempsey@newsquest.co.uk.