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Healthcare: Bolton
15 October 2025
Lead MP
Kirith Entwistle
Bolton North East
Lab
Responding Minister
Gillian Keegan
Tags
NHSEmployment
Word Count: 7464
Other Contributors: 7
At a Glance
Kirith Entwistle raised concerns about healthcare: bolton in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The NHS must not leave towns like Bolton behind, and I ask for continued investment in beds, staff, and modern systems to prevent a slide back into crisis. We need joined-up care with real accountability to ensure families do not have to chase switchboards for what was promised on paper.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
My constituents are concerned about access to GP appointments, long wait times in A&E, and delays in dental care. The response from a local consultation on the NHS 10-year plan was overwhelming with far too many stories of delays, confusion, and dignity under pressure. Before Labour came into power last year, Bolton’s NHS was stretched to breaking point with patients waiting up to 12 or 13 hours to be seen in A&E.
Winchester
Discussed the importance of addressing inequality in health outcomes through measures like closing loopholes in the sugar levy and reversing cuts to the public health grant. Emphasized the need for good-quality nutrition in schools to reduce NHS burden.
Luke Evans
Con
Winchester
Discussed the challenge of managing emergencies through online access and questioned how the Government would balance patient safety with increased access.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
He commended the hon. Member for Bolton North East for securing the debate, highlighting that healthcare problems are the same across different locations. He emphasised the importance of accessibility in building confidence within the system.
Karin Smyth
Lab
Bristol South
Reported on investments in GP services, including £1 billion for primary care and a new fund to create additional clinical space. Also highlighted progress in reducing waiting lists at Bolton NHS trust.
Kirith Entwistle
Lab
Bolton North East
Secured the debate and met with local NHS leaders to understand issues in Bolton.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Acknowledged the investment made by the previous government, including £20 million for a medical college at Royal Bolton Hospital. Raised concerns about the cost of redundancies in integrated care boards and contractual changes affecting GPs.
Yasmin Qureshi
Lab
Bolton South and Walkden
Healthcare in Bolton is really important for us and one of the most serious concerns raised by our constituents. One constituent with a serious heart condition waited more than a year to see her cardiologist at the Royal Bolton hospital. Works regularly with local NHS leadership and supports improvements needed for immediate impact.
Government Response
Gillian Keegan
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health
Government Response
Discussed the government's 10-year health plan, focusing on community services investment, reducing bureaucracy, and addressing health inequalities. Also highlighted improvements in urgent dental appointments, RAAC safety measures at Royal Bolton Hospital with over £9.5 million funding, and initiatives for women’s health including free emergency hormonal contraception and new maternity units opening in 2027. Announced investments over £1 billion in GP services and an £82 million workforce investment. Noted progress in reducing waiting lists with more than 5 million additional appointments delivered compared to the previous 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.