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Access to Healthcare: Bracknell Forest
19 November 2025
Lead MP
Peter Swallow
Bracknell
Lab
Responding Minister
Karin Smyth
Tags
NHSTaxationTransport
Word Count: 4208
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Peter Swallow raised concerns about access to healthcare: bracknell forest in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Swallow urges the trust to make an announcement about the location of the new hospital as soon as practically possible and welcomes a review of services offered by Brants Bridge to better support community care. He also calls for more local appointments to be prioritised in areas like Sandhurst.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Chronic under-resourcing after 14 years of Conservative austerity has left too many unable to access the care they need. Peter Swallow highlights issues such as insufficient parking, accessibility by public transport, and the ongoing need to rebuild the Royal Berkshire hospital. He also points out a shortage of GPs in Bracknell Forest with 1,874 patients for every GP.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon agrees that access to healthcare must begin with the local GP surgery and emphasizes the importance of training and retraining GPs to ensure people do not head straight to emergency care.
Bracknell Forest
Discussed the delivery of additional dental appointments in Bracknell Forest, highlighting efforts to recruit more dentists in areas with high demand.
Government Response
Karin Smyth
The Minister for Secondary Care
Government Response
Our 10-year health plan focuses on improving access to healthcare for everyone. The NHS has seen improvements with 5 million more elective appointments, 135,000 more cancer diagnoses within the 28-day target, and waiting lists cut by over 230,000 since the government came into office. Investments in local hospitals include £440 million for RAAC safety work at Frimley Park hospital, with a new Frimley Park hospital planned to commence construction between 2028 and 2029. The government remains committed to delivering meaningful reform for special educational needs support and improving access to community health services. Addressed concerns regarding dental care and the implementation of a single patient record, emphasizing efforts to improve oral health through additional appointments and technological advancements. Stated that over 10 million more appointments have been delivered in England this year compared with last year.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.