Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Kinnock and Josh MacAlister

Tuesday 6th May 2025 Commons Chamber

[Josh MacAlister (Whitehaven and Workington) (Lab)]

T6.   West Cumbria, like many parts of the UK, is a dental desert. In some communities, urgent dental access centres have proved to be a real success at building up dental services, so will the Minister support my campaign to introduce an urgent dental access centre in west Cumbria?

[The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)]

The Government have launched a scheme to provide 700,000 urgent dental appointments. There are 57,500 allocated to my hon. Friend’s integrated care board. He will know that ICBs are responsible for commissioning primary care services based on the needs of the population, but I know that he is a strong campaigner for his constituents. I understand that his dialogue with his ICB on this matter has been positive and constructive, and I am sure that he will continue to fly the flag.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Kinnock and Josh MacAlister

Tuesday 11th February 2025 Commons Chamber

[Josh MacAlister (Whitehaven and Workington) (Lab)]

Shortly after the election, the new Government announced £4.3 million for a new community mental health hub in Whitehaven. Unfortunately, the local mental health trust followed that decision by announcing the closure of the Yewdale ward for acute mental health services. Does the Minister agree that we need to get early intervention right before we close acute services, and will he bring together a meeting to scrutinise that decision?

[Stephen Kinnock]

Integrated care boards are responsible for providing mental health services to meet the needs of their local populations. As part of our plan for change, we will reduce delays and provide faster treatment. We are working with NHS England to transform mental health services, shift care from hospitals to local communities, and increase access to support for people across the country, including in rural areas.