PATIENTS struggling to access an NHS dentist will be able to get treatment thanks to redistributed funds.

The new scheme, which is part of a Greater Manchester initiative that allocates funding which has not been used from elsewhere in the system, gives priority to children and patients who have not been able to see a dentist for more than two years.

During 2013 and 2014, Healthwatch Bolton answered more than 300 calls from people struggling to find a dentist in Bolton, and last year the organisation produced a report which highlighted the difficulties people faced trying to get dental appointments.

Last year the patients' group also worked closely with Bolton Local Dental Committee to share the concerns raised by the report, entitled Accessing NHS Dentistry in Bolton, and to encourage the local area team — which commissions dentists — to formulate resolve the issues.

Healthwatch Bolton member and patient Tina Taylor, from Sharples, says the new scheme has been life changing.

She said: "Thanks to Healthwatch the dentistry problem in Bolton seems to have improved tremendously.

"About five years ago I was looking for a dentist and the only one I could join was in Swinton. It was very inconvenient but it was all I could find.

"When I heard that Healthwatch had become concerned with the issue, I tried to change to one in Silverwell Street and straight away I was accepted.

"I'm so pleased. I am 69 now and feel more confident that it isn't too far from where I live. It's live changing."

The temporary initiative will run until the end of March 2015, or until the allocations are used up.

Leah Elcock from Healthwatch Bolton and author of the report Accessing NHS Dentistry in Bolton, added: "We are absolutely delighted to hear that Bolton residents will be getting the much needed access to NHS dentists so they can get the treatment they need".

People struggling to find an NHS dentist can search using the NHS Choices website.