Health Services: Bridlington

In a statement to the House of Commons, a minister addressed the pressing healthcare challenges faced by the town of Bridlington. The minister acknowledged the broader concerns of constituents in surrounding areas, but chose to focus on the acute issues plaguing Bridlington. The minister painted a stark demographic picture of Bridlington, highlighting its status as the oldest and most deprived population in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Data revealed that men in the Bridlington South ward have a life expectancy 10 years lower than the county average, and two of the three wards covering the town are among the most deprived in the region. The town's population is significantly skewed towards the elderly, with one-third over the age of 65 and a substantial number over 80. Turning to the supply of healthcare services, the minister expressed shock at the lack of access to dental care, with entire classrooms of children never having seen a dentist. Patients in need of emergency dental work have been forced to travel over 60 miles, and the lone NHS dentist in the town has a waiting list of 8,500 people. The minister urged the government to review NHS dental contracts to incentivize dentists to open practices in areas with such acute shortages. While primary care has seen some recent improvements, the consolidation of GP practices has created challenges for local patients seeking appointments. The minister acknowledged the tireless efforts of GPs to enhance services in the wake of the pandemic and the shortage of healthcare professionals. However, the outlook for secondary care is less positive, as the minister highlighted the underutilization of the Bridlington hospital site, which has the potential to serve as a vital community health hub. The minister expressed concern over the reduction in outpatient appointments at the Bridlington hospital, which have declined by more than 35% in just four years. Specialties such as ophthalmology, audiology, and rheumatology have seen significant decreases in local provision, despite the growing demand from the aging population. The minister urged the government to address these issues and provide the necessary support to ensure that Bridlington's residents have access to the healthcare services they desperately need.