I've had a toothache for a few days so I went to the dentist. Because we've only just moved here we're not registered with anyone yet so I phoned our PCT to ask where the nearest NHS dentist was, or failing that, emergency dentist. the PCT told me to go to a certain dentist.
so off i toddle, have to take an hour off work to do it, he does x-rays and says i have an abcess and i'll need root canal doing. i say i can't afford it, even on the NHS, so i'll come back when i've saved up the money.
when I go to the desk to pick up my anti-b's the receptionist tells me it's £53. i say, "I thought this was an NHS check up, in which case it should be about £1." and she says, "Who told you that?" so I say, "The PCT." And she says, "ah right, if it was someone here we could have done it for you on the NHS but it's their mistake." so i had no choice but to fork out £53!
anyway, i rang the PCT when i got out, and the dappy woman there tells me i have to phone the dental dept. "But they're not there," says i. "Leave a message on the answerphone," says she. There isn't even an answerphone there.
So what I think has happened is that the dentist is telling the PCT that he'll do NHS treatment, then he's getting patients in, then saying he doesn't do NHS treatment so he can collect the private fee.
Is there anything I can do about this? sorry it's so long!