Key facts

The datasets are the second health release of point location information on the Neighbourhood Statistics website (point location data for GP surgeries was published on the website in July 2005). They are intended to be a starting point for the development of more detailed information, that will increase understanding of the provision and accessibility of health services in an area.

The data relates to the point location (in a map format and a downloadable file of some variables) of all NHS dental surgeries (main site and branch surgeries) within practices, pharmacies (providing NHS dispensing and prescription services), and ophthalmic establishments which were operating in England in April 2004. Details of the grid reference, establishment name and address and Primary Care Organisation code are also available to view on the site.

The dataset covers static point locations of premises. Other health services such as those offered by mobile health professionals, NHS 'Walk In' centres and home visits, pharmacies in hospitals, private dental services (only) and details of dispensing GP surgeries are not covered. Therefore this dataset gives a partial indication of the geographic spread of primary health services.

Summary

Point location of Dental surgeries, Pharmacies and Ophthalmic Establishments in England are published on the Neighbourhood Statistics website as a supplement to the point location data that was previously published for GP surgeries. The information in this dataset is intended to be used for statistical purposes and as a tool to support accessibility planning. The data forms a subset of that collected by nhs.uk, a central database of all public health service establishments in England.