A BRADLEY Fold mum claims appointment restrictions at a dental practice in Bury has left her unable to fix a visit for her two sons.

Mrs Jill Wilcock said she was "at a loss" as to how to get her children, 10-year-old Oliver and Max, aged six, an appointment at the surgery in Walmersley Road, Bury.

Both boys have been a patient of Dr Sanjiv Patel for six years.

The schoolteacher, of Boundary Drive, said: "We have been registered with this local NHS dentist for some years and have been really happy with Dr Patel himself.

"However, recently I rang to make an appointment in half term to be told there were no appointments ever after 3.15pm for NHS patients and that Dr Patel goes on holiday during school breaks.

"I am a teacher and cannot come out of school for appointments, plus removing children from school for check-ups is frowned upon. It seems ironic as I am educating my year one class on dental hygiene and when there is such a push on social health and well being. Yet I can't get an appointment for my children."

Mrs Wilcock continued: "When my sons were originally registered with the dentist, I was not told that we wouldn't get an appointment after 3.15pm. That must be because there are more private patients. And I can't get any for Saturday either. Previously, I'd been working part-time. But I went full-time earlier this year and I don't get paid if I'm not in work."

The 39-year-old mum says she is now considering registering her sons with a separate private dental practice where she is a patient.

"Dr Patel is great with the children but if we can't get to see him, then I need to voice my concerns," she added.

Dr Patel said: "I am sorry that Mrs Wilcock has experienced any issues with appointments at my practice. My team are absolutely committed to our NHS patients and, together, we ensure we have cover in place at all times, including school holidays. We will work with her to find a time that works for her and her sons.”