My mother was suffering from heart failure. She was unable to leave the house and had a jagged tooth that was hurting her tongue. I phoned to get a home visit, I appreciate that they have to be strict about home visits. The receptionist asked why my mother couldn't get my dad to take her. I answered that she can't really walk. She then asked if the dentist attended and said she had to go to hospital then how would she get there. I answered that I suppose my dad would somehow have to try and take her. The receptionist leapt on this and said oh in that case she doesn't meet the criteria as she can go in the car. I told her that she had tricked me. Basically my mother would only be leaving the house in an ambulance or a hearse. She was very obstructive when I told her this and reluctantly said my mother would go on a waiting list once we had returned some forms that she would send out. As it was the lovely dentist at Tesco made an exception as my mother was so ill and came out himself and didn't take any payment after administering the treatment. My mother died a week later. A few days after that a dentist turned up at the door to offer treatment to my mother organised by that nasty receptionist. We hadn't sent any forms back so this was totally inefficient and unexpected as well as being upsetting. Be warned if you have a similar situation.
Original Comment Report...