Ref. 29253-65SEEING an NHS dentist in Swindon could be even more of a challenge than it already appears.

The Evening Advertiser reported earlier this month that the town is suffering from a shortage of NHS dentists, with only a handful taking on new adult patients.

Now wheelchair users are claiming most dental surgeries are inaccessible to disabled people.

Sharyn O'Byrne, chairwoman of the Swindon Coalition of Disabled People, said physical access to dental practices in Swindon was bad.

The problem was usually the steps of older buildings.

"Dentists' access is very poor, and most of the practices in Swindon are inaccessible to wheelchair users and other disabled people," said Mrs O'Byrne.

"Most of them seem to be in upstairs premises with no lifts.

"Those who are offering a bad service for disabled people will be breaking the law when the next stage of the Disability Discrimin-ation Act comes into force in October."

The new law will require all providers of goods and services to make reasonable physical adjustments to enable disabled access.

Mrs O'Byrne suggested those practices in old, hard-to-modify buildings may need to consider moving.

Swindon Primary Care Trust said Swindon's situation was fairly typical for an urban area.

Pauline Macdonald, assistant director for commissioning, primary care and community services, said: "We would of course like to be in a position where all dentists and GPs are working in facilities fully accessible to patients with any form of disability or impairment," she said.

"However, access to these surgeries is often constrained by the original construction.

"We are of course working with dental practices to help them comply with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act."

In all, there are seven practices in Swindon accepting NHS patients.

Abbey Meads Dental Practice in the village centre has a small step, which is accessible to wheelchairs.

Ambience Dental Practice in Wade House, Queen Street, has three steps at the front but has a back door with only one step.

Clyde House Dental Practice in Bath Road, Old Town, has steps, and admits it has problems for wheelchair users.

The Euro Dental Practice in Bath Road, Old Town, has steps and recommends patients go to its sister practice in Devizes Road.

Gorse Hill Dental Practice in Cricklade Road has wheelchair patients.

The Milton Road Dental Practice in Swindon has seven steps at the front but has plans to open a room in the basement in the next few months with wheelchair access from the rear.

Andy Tate