An investigation into the availability of NHS dental services is to be carried out in Southend.
But the decision was opposed by some members of Southend Council's social scrutiny committee who would have preferred a scrutiny of diabetic services.
A report to the committee claimed that the incidence of diabetes is increasing.
However, a detailed look into such services would be, the report said, too premature until NHS bodies took action to implement the outcome of a new national study.
Ann Robertson (Con, Milton) said: "There are 3,500 people with diabetes and many more who have not been diagnosed. People are dying because of diabetes, not from dental problems."
Graham Longley (Lib Dem, Blenheim) added: "Diabetes is a growing problem in a community with changing lifestyles. Many people don't realise they are diabetic until they go for a test for something else."
A possible scrutiny on diabetes will be considered at a later date, it was decided.
Published Friday, January 31, 2003
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