Oral Answers to Questions

Josh Simons Excerpts

Tuesday 19th November 2024 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Josh Simons (Makerfield) (Lab)]

1. What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of patient access to primary care services.

[Chris Vince (Harlow) (Lab/Co-op)]

8. What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of patient access to primary care services.

--- Later in debate ---

[Josh Simons]

In my Makerfield constituency, Wigan council and my local NHS trust are working closely together to pioneer a health system focused on prevention and delivered through neighbourhood health centres, but they need help. What is the Secretary of State doing to improve access to primary care, especially data-driven preventive care, through neighbourhood health centres?

[Wes Streeting]

I agree with my hon. Friend on the importance of prevention at a local level. We are trialling neighbourhood health centres across the country to bring together a range of services, ensuring that healthcare is closer to home and that patients receive the care they deserve. This is part of our broader ambition to move towards a neighbourhood health service, with care delivered close to home. I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend to hear more about what is going well in his community and what further action we need to take.