Written questions by Morello.

What steps he is taking to improve the capacity of local NHS services to provide safe home births in the context of the closure of Yeovil Hospital’s maternity unit.

The Government is aware of the temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital that have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection and not being able to currently meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families.The temporary closure is for an initial period of six months. Home births will continue to be offered, based on discussions with parents-to-be about preferences and risks. All births and expectant mothers are also being offered pain relief and safe birthing at surrounding hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, and Bath.Choice is a core part of maternity care. We are working with NHS England to improve personalised care, and the quality of information mothers receive about their choices, so they feel empowered throughout their pregnancy journey into motherhood.

Whether NHS England is offering temporary funding for private providers to deliver NHS dental care in areas with insufficient NHS provision.

The Government plans to tackle the challenges for patients trying to access National Health Service dental care with a rescue plan to provide 700,000 more urgent dental appointments and recruit new dentists to areas that need them most. To rebuild dentistry in the long term, we will reform the dental contract with the sector, with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists.The responsibility for commissioning primary care services, including NHS dentistry, to meet the needs of the local population has been delegated to integrated care boards (ICBs) across England. For the West Dorset constituency, this is the Dorset ICB.ICBs have started to advertise posts through the Golden Hello scheme. This recruitment incentive will see up to 240 dentists receiving payments of £20,000 to work in those areas that need them most for three years. As of 10 April 2025, in England, there are 53 dentists in post with a further 44 dentists who have been recruited but are yet to start in post under this scheme. Another 256 posts are currently advertised.The NHS contracts with independent dental providers, to deliver NHS dental treatment in primary care settings. NHS dentists can offer private treatments in addition to NHS services. Dentists must make clear which treatments can be provided on the NHS and which can only be provided on a private basis, and the costs associated for each. The Government does not control the cost of private dental or orthodontic treatment and patients cannot claim back the expense from the NHS.Free NHS dental care is available for patients who qualify for certain exemptions. Support is also available through the NHS Low Income Scheme for those patients who are not eligible for exemption or full remission of dental patient charges. Further information can be found at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/who-is-entitled-to-free-nhs-dental-treatment-in-england/

Whether he plans to introduce targeted incentives for dentists treating low-income patients privately due to levels of NHS provision in West Dorset.

The Government plans to tackle the challenges for patients trying to access National Health Service dental care with a rescue plan to provide 700,000 more urgent dental appointments and recruit new dentists to areas that need them most. To rebuild dentistry in the long term, we will reform the dental contract with the sector, with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists.The responsibility for commissioning primary care services, including NHS dentistry, to meet the needs of the local population has been delegated to integrated care boards (ICBs) across England. For the West Dorset constituency, this is the Dorset ICB.ICBs have started to advertise posts through the Golden Hello scheme. This recruitment incentive will see up to 240 dentists receiving payments of £20,000 to work in those areas that need them most for three years. As of 10 April 2025, in England, there are 53 dentists in post with a further 44 dentists who have been recruited but are yet to start in post under this scheme. Another 256 posts are currently advertised.The NHS contracts with independent dental providers, to deliver NHS dental treatment in primary care settings. NHS dentists can offer private treatments in addition to NHS services. Dentists must make clear which treatments can be provided on the NHS and which can only be provided on a private basis, and the costs associated for each. The Government does not control the cost of private dental or orthodontic treatment and patients cannot claim back the expense from the NHS.Free NHS dental care is available for patients who qualify for certain exemptions. Support is also available through the NHS Low Income Scheme for those patients who are not eligible for exemption or full remission of dental patient charges. Further information can be found at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/who-is-entitled-to-free-nhs-dental-treatment-in-england/

What steps he is taking to reduce the impact of the closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s Maternity Unit on access to care.

When a decision has been taken quickly because of the risks to patient or staff safety, or welfare, the Government expects the local National Health Service commissioning body to notify and provide a rationale to their local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.The Government is aware of the temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital that have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection, and not being able to currently meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families.The temporary closure is for an initial period of six months, and expectant mothers are being offered safe birthing at surrounding hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, including Dorset County Hospital, and Bath. Outpatient clinics for pregnant mothers such as obstetric and midwifery antenatal clinics, scanning, antenatal screening services, and home births will continue at Yeovil District Hospital as normal. Home births will continue to be offered, based on discussions with parents-to-be about preferences and risks.The South West NHS England regional team, the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust are working collectively to mitigate the risk of this temporary closure and to ensure the wider systems work together to provide safe services in the meantime.Responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioning body. The reconfiguration of services is a local decision that should be informed by clinical best practice. All service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients, and where needed, ensure patient safety.The ICB released a statement on 19 May 2025 about the impact of this closure on transport and travel, on access to care, and on maternity staff at Yeovil District Hospital. The ICB also released a statement on 14 May 2025 about some specific criteria that they have put in place to support the possibility of a reopening in six months. The ICB has stated that they will keep the situation under continual review, and that they will also undertake a formal review of the position after three and six months. The statements from 19 May 2025 and 14 May 2025 are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/my-local-health-services/patient-transport/https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/?news=temporary-closure-of-special-care-baby-unit-and-important-changes-to-inpatient-maternity-services-at-yeovil-hospitalThere are real issues in maternity care, but also outstanding examples of care. It will not be an overnight recovery, but we will be making steady improvements to ensure that all women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care. The Government continues to work with the NHS as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal plan to improve maternity and neonatal services.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s Maternity Unit on maternity staff at that hospital.

When a decision has been taken quickly because of the risks to patient or staff safety, or welfare, the Government expects the local National Health Service commissioning body to notify and provide a rationale to their local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.The Government is aware of the temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital that have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection, and not being able to currently meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families.The temporary closure is for an initial period of six months, and expectant mothers are being offered safe birthing at surrounding hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, including Dorset County Hospital, and Bath. Outpatient clinics for pregnant mothers such as obstetric and midwifery antenatal clinics, scanning, antenatal screening services, and home births will continue at Yeovil District Hospital as normal. Home births will continue to be offered, based on discussions with parents-to-be about preferences and risks.The South West NHS England regional team, the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust are working collectively to mitigate the risk of this temporary closure and to ensure the wider systems work together to provide safe services in the meantime.Responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioning body. The reconfiguration of services is a local decision that should be informed by clinical best practice. All service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients, and where needed, ensure patient safety.The ICB released a statement on 19 May 2025 about the impact of this closure on transport and travel, on access to care, and on maternity staff at Yeovil District Hospital. The ICB also released a statement on 14 May 2025 about some specific criteria that they have put in place to support the possibility of a reopening in six months. The ICB has stated that they will keep the situation under continual review, and that they will also undertake a formal review of the position after three and six months. The statements from 19 May 2025 and 14 May 2025 are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/my-local-health-services/patient-transport/https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/?news=temporary-closure-of-special-care-baby-unit-and-important-changes-to-inpatient-maternity-services-at-yeovil-hospitalThere are real issues in maternity care, but also outstanding examples of care. It will not be an overnight recovery, but we will be making steady improvements to ensure that all women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care. The Government continues to work with the NHS as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal plan to improve maternity and neonatal services.

What assessment he has made of the impact of the closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s Maternity Unit on travel times for expectant mothers.

When a decision has been taken quickly because of the risks to patient or staff safety, or welfare, the Government expects the local National Health Service commissioning body to notify and provide a rationale to their local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.The Government is aware of the temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital that have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection, and not being able to currently meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families.The temporary closure is for an initial period of six months, and expectant mothers are being offered safe birthing at surrounding hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, including Dorset County Hospital, and Bath. Outpatient clinics for pregnant mothers such as obstetric and midwifery antenatal clinics, scanning, antenatal screening services, and home births will continue at Yeovil District Hospital as normal. Home births will continue to be offered, based on discussions with parents-to-be about preferences and risks.The South West NHS England regional team, the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust are working collectively to mitigate the risk of this temporary closure and to ensure the wider systems work together to provide safe services in the meantime.Responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioning body. The reconfiguration of services is a local decision that should be informed by clinical best practice. All service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients, and where needed, ensure patient safety.The ICB released a statement on 19 May 2025 about the impact of this closure on transport and travel, on access to care, and on maternity staff at Yeovil District Hospital. The ICB also released a statement on 14 May 2025 about some specific criteria that they have put in place to support the possibility of a reopening in six months. The ICB has stated that they will keep the situation under continual review, and that they will also undertake a formal review of the position after three and six months. The statements from 19 May 2025 and 14 May 2025 are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/my-local-health-services/patient-transport/https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/?news=temporary-closure-of-special-care-baby-unit-and-important-changes-to-inpatient-maternity-services-at-yeovil-hospitalThere are real issues in maternity care, but also outstanding examples of care. It will not be an overnight recovery, but we will be making steady improvements to ensure that all women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care. The Government continues to work with the NHS as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal plan to improve maternity and neonatal services.

What assessment he has made of the impact of the closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s Maternity Unit on people in West Dorset constituency.

When a decision has been taken quickly because of the risks to patient or staff safety, or welfare, the Government expects the local National Health Service commissioning body to notify and provide a rationale to their local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.The Government is aware of the temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital that have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection, and not being able to currently meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families.The temporary closure is for an initial period of six months, and expectant mothers are being offered safe birthing at surrounding hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, including Dorset County Hospital, and Bath. Outpatient clinics for pregnant mothers such as obstetric and midwifery antenatal clinics, scanning, antenatal screening services, and home births will continue at Yeovil District Hospital as normal. Home births will continue to be offered, based on discussions with parents-to-be about preferences and risks.The South West NHS England regional team, the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust are working collectively to mitigate the risk of this temporary closure and to ensure the wider systems work together to provide safe services in the meantime.Responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioning body. The reconfiguration of services is a local decision that should be informed by clinical best practice. All service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients, and where needed, ensure patient safety.The ICB released a statement on 19 May 2025 about the impact of this closure on transport and travel, on access to care, and on maternity staff at Yeovil District Hospital. The ICB also released a statement on 14 May 2025 about some specific criteria that they have put in place to support the possibility of a reopening in six months. The ICB has stated that they will keep the situation under continual review, and that they will also undertake a formal review of the position after three and six months. The statements from 19 May 2025 and 14 May 2025 are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/my-local-health-services/patient-transport/https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/?news=temporary-closure-of-special-care-baby-unit-and-important-changes-to-inpatient-maternity-services-at-yeovil-hospitalThere are real issues in maternity care, but also outstanding examples of care. It will not be an overnight recovery, but we will be making steady improvements to ensure that all women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care. The Government continues to work with the NHS as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal plan to improve maternity and neonatal services.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of increased travel times for maternity care following the closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s Maternity Unit.

When a decision has been taken quickly because of the risks to patient or staff safety, or welfare, the Government expects the local National Health Service commissioning body to notify and provide a rationale to their local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.The Government is aware of the temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital that have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection, and not being able to currently meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families.The temporary closure is for an initial period of six months, and expectant mothers are being offered safe birthing at surrounding hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, including Dorset County Hospital, and Bath. Outpatient clinics for pregnant mothers such as obstetric and midwifery antenatal clinics, scanning, antenatal screening services, and home births will continue at Yeovil District Hospital as normal. Home births will continue to be offered, based on discussions with parents-to-be about preferences and risks.The South West NHS England regional team, the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust are working collectively to mitigate the risk of this temporary closure and to ensure the wider systems work together to provide safe services in the meantime.Responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioning body. The reconfiguration of services is a local decision that should be informed by clinical best practice. All service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients, and where needed, ensure patient safety.The ICB released a statement on 19 May 2025 about the impact of this closure on transport and travel, on access to care, and on maternity staff at Yeovil District Hospital. The ICB also released a statement on 14 May 2025 about some specific criteria that they have put in place to support the possibility of a reopening in six months. The ICB has stated that they will keep the situation under continual review, and that they will also undertake a formal review of the position after three and six months. The statements from 19 May 2025 and 14 May 2025 are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/my-local-health-services/patient-transport/https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/?news=temporary-closure-of-special-care-baby-unit-and-important-changes-to-inpatient-maternity-services-at-yeovil-hospitalThere are real issues in maternity care, but also outstanding examples of care. It will not be an overnight recovery, but we will be making steady improvements to ensure that all women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care. The Government continues to work with the NHS as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal plan to improve maternity and neonatal services.

What assessment he has made of the capacity of local NHS services to meet demand for home births following the closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s Maternity Unit.

When a decision has been taken quickly because of the risks to patient or staff safety, or welfare, the Government expects the local National Health Service commissioning body to notify and provide a rationale to their local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.The Government is aware of the temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital that have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection, and not being able to currently meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families.The temporary closure is for an initial period of six months, and expectant mothers are being offered safe birthing at surrounding hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, including Dorset County Hospital, and Bath. Outpatient clinics for pregnant mothers such as obstetric and midwifery antenatal clinics, scanning, antenatal screening services, and home births will continue at Yeovil District Hospital as normal. Home births will continue to be offered, based on discussions with parents-to-be about preferences and risks.The South West NHS England regional team, the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust are working collectively to mitigate the risk of this temporary closure and to ensure the wider systems work together to provide safe services in the meantime.Responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioning body. The reconfiguration of services is a local decision that should be informed by clinical best practice. All service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients, and where needed, ensure patient safety.The ICB released a statement on 19 May 2025 about the impact of this closure on transport and travel, on access to care, and on maternity staff at Yeovil District Hospital. The ICB also released a statement on 14 May 2025 about some specific criteria that they have put in place to support the possibility of a reopening in six months. The ICB has stated that they will keep the situation under continual review, and that they will also undertake a formal review of the position after three and six months. The statements from 19 May 2025 and 14 May 2025 are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/my-local-health-services/patient-transport/https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/?news=temporary-closure-of-special-care-baby-unit-and-important-changes-to-inpatient-maternity-services-at-yeovil-hospitalThere are real issues in maternity care, but also outstanding examples of care. It will not be an overnight recovery, but we will be making steady improvements to ensure that all women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care. The Government continues to work with the NHS as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal plan to improve maternity and neonatal services.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s Maternity Unit on maternity services at Dorset County Hospital.

When a decision has been taken quickly because of the risks to patient or staff safety, or welfare, the Government expects the local National Health Service commissioning body to notify and provide a rationale to their local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.The Government is aware of the temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital that have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection, and not being able to currently meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families.The temporary closure is for an initial period of six months, and expectant mothers are being offered safe birthing at surrounding hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, including Dorset County Hospital, and Bath. Outpatient clinics for pregnant mothers such as obstetric and midwifery antenatal clinics, scanning, antenatal screening services, and home births will continue at Yeovil District Hospital as normal. Home births will continue to be offered, based on discussions with parents-to-be about preferences and risks.The South West NHS England regional team, the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust are working collectively to mitigate the risk of this temporary closure and to ensure the wider systems work together to provide safe services in the meantime.Responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioning body. The reconfiguration of services is a local decision that should be informed by clinical best practice. All service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients, and where needed, ensure patient safety.The ICB released a statement on 19 May 2025 about the impact of this closure on transport and travel, on access to care, and on maternity staff at Yeovil District Hospital. The ICB also released a statement on 14 May 2025 about some specific criteria that they have put in place to support the possibility of a reopening in six months. The ICB has stated that they will keep the situation under continual review, and that they will also undertake a formal review of the position after three and six months. The statements from 19 May 2025 and 14 May 2025 are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/my-local-health-services/patient-transport/https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/?news=temporary-closure-of-special-care-baby-unit-and-important-changes-to-inpatient-maternity-services-at-yeovil-hospitalThere are real issues in maternity care, but also outstanding examples of care. It will not be an overnight recovery, but we will be making steady improvements to ensure that all women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care. The Government continues to work with the NHS as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal plan to improve maternity and neonatal services.

What assessment he has made of the impact of the closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s Maternity Unit on local maternity services.

When a decision has been taken quickly because of the risks to patient or staff safety, or welfare, the Government expects the local National Health Service commissioning body to notify and provide a rationale to their local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.The Government is aware of the temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital that have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection, and not being able to currently meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families.The temporary closure is for an initial period of six months, and expectant mothers are being offered safe birthing at surrounding hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, including Dorset County Hospital, and Bath. Outpatient clinics for pregnant mothers such as obstetric and midwifery antenatal clinics, scanning, antenatal screening services, and home births will continue at Yeovil District Hospital as normal. Home births will continue to be offered, based on discussions with parents-to-be about preferences and risks.The South West NHS England regional team, the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust are working collectively to mitigate the risk of this temporary closure and to ensure the wider systems work together to provide safe services in the meantime.Responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioning body. The reconfiguration of services is a local decision that should be informed by clinical best practice. All service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients, and where needed, ensure patient safety.The ICB released a statement on 19 May 2025 about the impact of this closure on transport and travel, on access to care, and on maternity staff at Yeovil District Hospital. The ICB also released a statement on 14 May 2025 about some specific criteria that they have put in place to support the possibility of a reopening in six months. The ICB has stated that they will keep the situation under continual review, and that they will also undertake a formal review of the position after three and six months. The statements from 19 May 2025 and 14 May 2025 are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/my-local-health-services/patient-transport/https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/?news=temporary-closure-of-special-care-baby-unit-and-important-changes-to-inpatient-maternity-services-at-yeovil-hospitalThere are real issues in maternity care, but also outstanding examples of care. It will not be an overnight recovery, but we will be making steady improvements to ensure that all women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care. The Government continues to work with the NHS as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal plan to improve maternity and neonatal services.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s Maternity Unit on levels of capacity at surrounding hospitals.

When a decision has been taken quickly because of the risks to patient or staff safety, or welfare, the Government expects the local National Health Service commissioning body to notify and provide a rationale to their local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.The Government is aware of the temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital that have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection, and not being able to currently meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families.The temporary closure is for an initial period of six months, and expectant mothers are being offered safe birthing at surrounding hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, including Dorset County Hospital, and Bath. Outpatient clinics for pregnant mothers such as obstetric and midwifery antenatal clinics, scanning, antenatal screening services, and home births will continue at Yeovil District Hospital as normal. Home births will continue to be offered, based on discussions with parents-to-be about preferences and risks.The South West NHS England regional team, the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust are working collectively to mitigate the risk of this temporary closure and to ensure the wider systems work together to provide safe services in the meantime.Responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioning body. The reconfiguration of services is a local decision that should be informed by clinical best practice. All service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients, and where needed, ensure patient safety.The ICB released a statement on 19 May 2025 about the impact of this closure on transport and travel, on access to care, and on maternity staff at Yeovil District Hospital. The ICB also released a statement on 14 May 2025 about some specific criteria that they have put in place to support the possibility of a reopening in six months. The ICB has stated that they will keep the situation under continual review, and that they will also undertake a formal review of the position after three and six months. The statements from 19 May 2025 and 14 May 2025 are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/my-local-health-services/patient-transport/https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/?news=temporary-closure-of-special-care-baby-unit-and-important-changes-to-inpatient-maternity-services-at-yeovil-hospitalThere are real issues in maternity care, but also outstanding examples of care. It will not be an overnight recovery, but we will be making steady improvements to ensure that all women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care. The Government continues to work with the NHS as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal plan to improve maternity and neonatal services.

What steps he is taking to ensure adequate access to maternity care for people in West Dorset constituency, in the context of the closure of Yeovil’s maternity unit.

The Government will ensure that trusts failing on maternity care are robustly supported into rapid improvement, and we will continue to work with the National Health Service as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal delivery plan to ensure women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care.Responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioner. The Department is aware of temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital, which have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection and temporarily not being able to meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families. The South West NHS England regional team, integrated care board, and trust are working collectively to review the situation and develop proposals to ensure the safe future service provision of maternity services.

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the NHS dentistry funding model in ensuring access to dental care in West Dorset.

We are aware of the challenges faced in accessing a dentist, particularly in more rural and coastal areas. To rebuild dentistry in the long term, we will reform the dental contract with the sector, with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of National Health Service dentists. There are no perfect payment systems and careful consideration needs to be given to any potential changes to the complex dental system so that we deliver a system better for patients and the profession.The NHS in England invests £3 billion into dentistry every year. NHS England is responsible for issuing guidance to integrated care boards (ICBs) on dental budgets.NHS England’s Planning Guidance for 2025/26 has now been published and sets out the funding available to ICBs. Planning guidance also confirms that improving access to urgent dental appointments is a key national priority. Dental budgets are ringfenced and NHS England reserves the right to direct unused resources, if contractors are unable to deliver on NHS dental commitments.In July 2022, the first substantial changes to the NHS dental contract, since the 2006 Dental System Reforms, were made. These changes included allowing the best performing practices to see more patients where commissioners have given agreement, with up to 10% extra activity. Furthermore, the minimum value for a Unit of Dental Activity was uplifted to £28 from April 2024, benefitting 876 contracts.

Whether his Department plans to review the Units of Dental Activity system.

We are aware of the challenges faced in accessing a dentist, particularly in more rural and coastal areas. To rebuild dentistry in the long term, we will reform the dental contract with the sector, with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of National Health Service dentists. There are no perfect payment systems and careful consideration needs to be given to any potential changes to the complex dental system so that we deliver a system better for patients and the profession.The NHS in England invests £3 billion into dentistry every year. NHS England is responsible for issuing guidance to integrated care boards (ICBs) on dental budgets.NHS England’s Planning Guidance for 2025/26 has now been published and sets out the funding available to ICBs. Planning guidance also confirms that improving access to urgent dental appointments is a key national priority. Dental budgets are ringfenced and NHS England reserves the right to direct unused resources, if contractors are unable to deliver on NHS dental commitments.In July 2022, the first substantial changes to the NHS dental contract, since the 2006 Dental System Reforms, were made. These changes included allowing the best performing practices to see more patients where commissioners have given agreement, with up to 10% extra activity. Furthermore, the minimum value for a Unit of Dental Activity was uplifted to £28 from April 2024, benefitting 876 contracts.

What steps he is taking with Dorset Integrated Care Board to recruit more GPs in West Dorset constituency.

Last year, the Department added general practitioners (GPs) to the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS), and provided an extra £82 million in funding, meaning that GPs could be recruited more quickly by primary care networks (PCNs).Between 1 October 2024 and 28 February 2025, 1,503 fully qualified GPs have been recruited through the ARRS, including in West Dorset.The Government has committed to training thousands more GPs. NHS Dorset has established a joint task force with the Dorset GP Education Centre to increase the number of training placements for GP’s training in Dorset, with West Dorset identified as an opportunity for growth.

What information his Department holds on the average waiting time to see a GP in West Dorset constituency, in the latest period for which data is available.

West Dorset sits within the NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board (ICB). In March 2025, 39.2% of appointments in the ICB took place on the same day as booking, and 73.4% took place within two weeks of booking. Nationally, 44.2% of appointments took place on the same day as booking, and 82.1% took place within two weeks of booking.There are a number of factors which can influence the timing of appointments, and patients may wish to book routine or follow-up appointments further in advance.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that funding provided through NHS dental contracts is adequate for meeting the costs of providing care in rural areas.

We are aware of the challenges faced in accessing a dentist, particularly in more rural and coastal areas. To rebuild dentistry in the long term, we will reform the dental contract with the sector, with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of National Health Service dentists. There are no perfect payment systems and careful consideration needs to be given to any potential changes to the complex dental system so that we deliver a system better for patients and the profession.The NHS in England invests £3 billion into dentistry every year. NHS England is responsible for issuing guidance to integrated care boards (ICBs) on dental budgets.NHS England’s Planning Guidance for 2025/26 has now been published and sets out the funding available to ICBs. Planning guidance also confirms that improving access to urgent dental appointments is a key national priority. Dental budgets are ringfenced and NHS England reserves the right to direct unused resources, if contractors are unable to deliver on NHS dental commitments.In July 2022, the first substantial changes to the NHS dental contract, since the 2006 Dental System Reforms, were made. These changes included allowing the best performing practices to see more patients where commissioners have given agreement, with up to 10% extra activity. Furthermore, the minimum value for a Unit of Dental Activity was uplifted to £28 from April 2024, benefitting 876 contracts.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of GP patient-to-practice ratios in (a) rural constituencies and (b) West Dorset constituency.

As of 31 March 2025, the median number of patients per practice was 7,447 in the West Dorset constituency. This compares to 8,812 nationally. Data on general practice patient to practice ratios in rural constituencies is not held.This government is determined to work with the NHS to fix the front door of our health service and ensure everyone can access GP services. The Primary Care Utilisation and Modernisation Fund was announced during the 2024 spending review and provides new capital funding of £102 million in 2025 to 2026 to support improvements in the primary care estate. The fund aims to enhance the use of existing infrastructure, create additional capacity for the GP and practice workforce, and enable additional patient appointments.

Whether he plans to increase the level of funding available for new GP premises in (a) rural areas and (b) West Dorset constituency.

The Government is committed to delivering a National Health Service that is fit for the future and recognises the importance of strategic, value for money investments in capital projects. We recently announced schemes which will benefit from the £102 million Primary Care Utilisation and Modernisation Fund to deliver upgrades this financial year to more than a thousand general practice (GP) surgeries across England.At the local level, the Dorset Integrated Care Board (ICB) is responsible for deciding how the NHS budget for its area, including the West Dorset constituency, is spent and for allocating funding according to local priorities, such as new GP surgeries.The Dorset ICB has been provisionally allocated the following amounts from capital programmes and operational capital for 2025/26:£34.3 million from our Constitutional Standards Recovery Fund;£9.2 million from our Estates Safety Fund;£1.4 million from our Primary Care Utilisation Fund; and£78.9 million in operational capital funding.