A new emergency dentistry surgery has been earmarked for Winchester.

The Southern Daily Echo reported the facility could open by March next year and could help serve up to 9,500 patients in the area.

Natalie Jones, lead commissioning manager of primary care dental services for NHS Hampshire, commented: "Since 2006, we have committed £15 million to do this and have prioritised areas across Hampshire on clinical need and current access."

She added Winchester has been pinpointed as a "priority area" for the opening of new surgeries, given the present lack of facilities in the county, as in total, the region boasts just 11 dental surgeries.

Elsewhere, the Bexhill Observer recently reported a new emergency dentistry clinic has opened in Eastbourne.

Situated at Eastbourne Railway Centre, the newly-refurbished Eastbourne Dental Clinic cost £500,000 to complete and will now be accessible to patients seven days a week from 08:00 to 20:00 GMT.