HEALTH bosses have negotiated arrangements with dentists to ensure treatment under the NHS remains available in Upper Wensleydale.

Patients in Hawes were claiming that, despite the Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust putting £18,000 into services in the area, a shortage of dental surgeons meant they still faced a long waiting list if they wanted to register.

The alternative was to drive to another practice in Leyburn - a 35-mile round trip.

However, following talks with the area's dentists, the trust has confirmed that, from this week, a salaried dentist will be setting two days aside in Leyburn to treat NHS patients.

In the meantime, the Hawes practice has pledged to address its staff shortage and hopes to recruit a new member of staff within six months.

Once a new dental surgeon has been found, the practice in Hawes will be able to improve its NHS service and treatment will be available five days a week rather than the current four.

The Hawes practice has also pledged to continue an out-of-hours emergency service to ensure registered patients do not have to travel long distances in an emergency.

Primary Care Trust chief executive Chris Long said he was aware both the Leyburn and Hawes practices had been working hard to improve services in Wensleydale.

He said: "We hope our actions will demonstrate to local people that we have taken their comments seriously and are committed to maintaining access to services in the Dales."