AN NHS dental surgery which took its full allocation of patients before even opening today said there would be another chance for people to apply later in the year.

AN NHS dental surgery which took its full allocation of patients before even opening today said there would be another chance for people to apply later in the year.

Dr Aysenil Pekel has opened a practice in Stowmarket's Station Road West but the books were closed two weeks before the surgery opened.

However, Dr Pekel, who previously worked in Felixstowe, has said there will be another chance to apply in September.

She said: “I hope to take on more patients later in the year, but need to be sure the patients I have now are well-served.”

Today Suffolk Primary Care Trust's chief executive Carole Taylor-Brown visited the surgery to officially open it.

The ceremony was also attended by chairman of Mid Suffolk District Council councillor Ray Melvin, and Stowmarket Mayor Poppy Robinson.

Mrs Taylor-Brown said: “Partnership working has really worked well here to secure even better dental services for the people of Stowmarket and the surrounding areas.

“Before the new dental contract was introduced nationally in April last year, there were two dental practices accepting NHS patients in Suffolk, excluding Waveney. Now we have 16 practices accepting NHS patients, which means the service is much more accessible.”

The surgery opened this month as a result of a partnership between the district council, the primary care trust, and refurbishment firm Starburst Treatment Centres.