Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Care in the Community

Tuesday 24 February 2026 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Alison Griffiths asked about steps to increase access to community care.
  • The Minister mentioned a 10-year health plan including 120 new neighbourhood health centres by 2030.
  • Abena Oppong-Asare inquired about including stronger measures for endometriosis in the women's health strategy.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alison Griffiths Con Bognor Regis and Littlehampton
NHS
Context

The question addresses the shift from hospital to community care under the 10-year health plan.

Question

What steps he is taking to increase access to care in the community. Through our 10-year health plan and the shift from hospital to community, what specific measures are being implemented?

Answer from Stephen Kinnock

Through our 10-year health plan and the shift from hospital to community, our new neighbourhood health service will benefit millions. It is underpinned by 120 new neighbourhood health centres by 2030, alongside the supercharging of community diagnostic centres, which will deliver faster, more accessible care, with over 100 sites open 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

Answered
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Q2 Alison Griffiths Con Bognor Regis and Littlehampton
NHS
Context

The question addresses the permanent closure of Zachary Merton hospital in Rustington, which serves a largely elderly population.

Question

I am delighted to hear the Minister's response. Zachary Merton hospital in Rustington was closed temporarily, but that closure became permanent and the site is being progressed for disposal. More than half of residents in Rustington are elderly, and rely on intermediate and step-down care. They have not been consulted on the permanent closure, despite assurances from Sussex community NHS foundation trust and NHS Sussex integrated care board. Will the Minister confirm whether he considers that a substantial variation in NHS services? Will he consider exercising his call-in powers before the site is irreversibly sold?

Answer from Stephen Kinnock

I am not familiar with the details of that case, but if the hon. Lady writes to me I would be more than happy to take the issue up. These matters are determined by the ICBs and trusts, and the Government are not in the business of micromanaging what is happening out there in the field.

Not addressed: Whether the closure constitutes a substantial variation or exercising call-in powers.

How: Referral To Correspondence, Reference To Local Decision-Making

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Q3 Abena Oppong-Asare Lab Erith and Thamesmead
Women & Equalities
Context

The question addresses the need for faster diagnosis, better awareness, and training on endometriosis.

Question

Women with the painful and incurable condition of endometriosis have suffered stigma and ill health for far too long, and despite the condition impacting one in 10 women, a diagnosis takes over eight years on average. Will the Minister make sure that the new women's health strategy includes stronger training, better awareness, and faster support for women?

Answer from Stephen Kinnock

This is a vital issue. Endometriosis is a serious challenge for so many women across our country, and I confirm that it is an integral part of the strategy. I am sure she will be pleased to see the outcome of that strategy as it moves forward.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific measures to address endometriosis within the strategy were not detailed.

How: Confirmation Without Specifics

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