PATIENTS in Wyre Forest have been able to see a GP within 48 hours and a primary care professional within 24 hours this month, according to a report to the district's PCT.

The report, by Gillian Goodlad, acting head of primary care, added the first round of one-to-one meetings with dental practices had taken place in the run-up to the commencement of new contracts for independent dental contractors on April 1.

From that date, funding for primary care dentistry will be devolved to PCTs. Wyre Forest's is currently making contract offers and working with some practitioners to iron out details on levels of activity.

It is anticipated contracts will be agreed by the end of this month, in line with a national timetable.

There are still vacancies for people who want to register with an NHS dentist in the district.

WYRE Forest Primary Care Trust, facing a cash deficit of £2.1 million this year, is forecasting an annual overspend of £1.5 million.

According to a report by the PCT's acting director of finance, James Murray, submitted to the trust's board meeting on Tuesday, the reported deficit at the end of December was £400,000.

Midway through the financial year, the PCT had identified a potential overspend of £2.3 million but had amended the projected figure to £1.5 million.

The PCT has submitted a case to the West Midlands South Strategic Health Authority for arbitration over what a fair level of expenditure should be. That arbitration is due to be completed by the end of this month.

MORE than half of Wyre Forest people suffering from a range of respiratory problems have had the chance to see the risks they face during the winter, based on weather forecasts.

Six medical practices in the district have participated in the scheme, launched in November, which makes predictions based on known associations between long-term conditions and the environment.

Of 1,331 Wyre Forest patients registered with a diagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease more than 850 have been able to receive advice based on Met Office forecasts.

Each patient is categorised into a group determined by instances of the effects of their disease and admissions over the previous year. They are classified as high risk or very high risk.

The project is being evaluated over the winter, up to March. Information about numbers of appointments or telephone calls each patient generates within their own GP's practice will be collected, as will data about out-of-hours care and attendance at A&E.