Health Services: Wantage and Didcot

Opened the debate

MP David Johnston highlights significant infrastructure issues, particularly focusing on access to health services including GP and dental surgeries. He conducted a survey revealing over 75% of respondents faced difficulties accessing GP appointments in the past year. With population growth and new housing developments like Great Western Park and Valley Park adding thousands of residents without matching healthcare facilities, he calls for better accountability from local councils and more government investment to address the backlog created during the pandemic.

Government Response

Minister Neil O'Brien acknowledges the challenges faced by constituents of MP David Johnston, particularly in accessing GP and dental services. He outlines several measures from the primary care recovery plan including investment for new digital phone systems, expansion of community pharmacy roles to treat common conditions, reduction of bureaucratic tasks for GPs, recruitment of 26,000 additional staff, and reforms to ensure housing developments are matched with necessary GP surgeries through updates in national planning policy frameworks. The minister expresses commitment to furthering these initiatives to improve access to healthcare services.