On Tuesday 8th October, Charlie Dewhirst, MP for Bridlington and The Wolds, secured a parliamentary debate on health services in Bridlington. In this debate, Charlie outlined the urgent need for improved access to healthcare in Bridlington. He highlighted the challenges that the town faces and called for Ministers to address the growing crisis in local health services.
Reflecting the demographic of many local towns in the area, Bridlington has the oldest and most deprived population in the East Riding of Yorkshire, with the life expectancy for men in parts of the town a shocking ten years lower than elsewhere in the county. Local people also face the high rates of long-term illness and disability.
Charlie Dewhirst MP raised concerns after meeting many local health practitioners to further understand the severity of the situation. At Bridlington Hospital, for example, outpatient appointments have dropped by 35 per cent in just four years. Charlie highlighted the harmful impact this has on elderly local residents from across the East Riding, many of whom are forced to travel long distances for routine appointments.
One of the most alarming issues brought the government’s attention was the shortage of NHS dental care in Bridlington, with thousands of residents sat on waiting lists and entire classrooms of children who have never seen a dentist. Charlie urged the government to reconsider NHS dental contracts, stressing the need for incentives to attract more dentists to areas with shortages.
Recognising that these challenges extend beyond Bridlington, in towns like Driffield, Hornsea, Market Weighton, Charlie urged the government to develop a comprehensive healthcare strategy that addresses the unique needs of seaside towns – one that brings together all parts of the health service and recognises the challenges – and to put together an immediate action plan.
Charlie Dewhirst MP concluded his speech, stating:
‘We cannot escape what is in front of us. As one senior local authority figure commented “the health crisis in Bridlington is not a car crash waiting to happen, it is happening right now.”
‘My appeal to the Minister today is simple: if he wants to make a real difference today, then please focus some of your department’s collective effort on tackling the enormous health inequalities in seaside towns like Bridlington.
‘We are happy to be your pilot scheme or trailblazer.’
This debate has brought the gravity of the situation to the attention of the Government and Charlie Dewhirst MP looks forward to working with ministers and the department to ensure a better future for the people of Bridlington, Driffield, Hornsea, Market Weighton and The Wolds.
For more information or support with this or any other matter, residents are encouraged to contact Charlie Dewhirst MP’s office directly by email to: [email protected]
