Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The government's focus on shifting healthcare from hospitals to the community.
What steps is he taking to increase access to care in the community? This Government's focus on shifting from hospital to community will benefit millions of people and increase access to care. We need specific measures and timelines for this shift, including new community diagnostic centres and neighbourhood health centres.
This Government's focus on shifting from hospital to community will benefit millions of people. The shift is underpinned by 109 community diagnostic centres that now deliver faster, more accessible care, operating 12 hours a day, seven days a week. By 2030, we aim to open 120 new neighbourhood health centres to transform access for those who need it most.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures and timelines were not provided
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
In 2023, the government signed off £3.4 million for a new health and wellbeing hub in Keighley to improve community care.
The funding is secured and we have brownfield sites ready, but no planning application has been submitted yet by mid-2026 despite slow progress. Will he meet me to unlock this project?
We need to ensure that neighbourhood health provision is delivered as quickly as possible across the country, focusing on areas with below-average healthy life expectancy. Part of this involves shifting from hospital to community care to prevent ill health before it occurs.
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Assessment & feedback
Meeting request was not addressed
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Last year, the community and local councillors campaigned to save the Crystal dementia centre which provides support for dementia patients and carers.
The centre employs dementia advisers and assessors, offers day services, but Dudley council has sought to close it by stealth. Is this a disgraceful way to act against providing quality care at home? Will he meet me to discuss further?
It is concerning that such decisions have been taken. I urge all councils to work with local integrated care boards and other parts of the NHS system to ensure healthcare can be accessed where people need it, as part of our plan to provide quality care close to home.
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Assessment & feedback
Meeting request was not addressed
Response accuracy