MP warns of primary care crisis in Exeter

Exeter MP Steve Race has called for urgent action to address funding shortages in primary care following a parliamentary briefing on the ‘Future of Primary Care’ held on 28 January.

The event, hosted by Race, brought together leading organisations from the sector, including the British Medical Association, the British Dental Association, Community Pharmacy England, the Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee, and the Association for Primary Care Audiology Providers. As Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Pharmacy Group, Race organised the briefing to update MPs on the challenges facing primary care services.

“Primary care providers across the country play a pivotal role in promoting people’s health,” Race said. “After 14 years of underfunding under the previous government, the sector in Exeter is struggling – pharmacies are closing, and it’s extremely difficult for people to find an NHS dentist.”

During the briefing, representatives from primary care bodies highlighted critical funding challenges that are limiting their ability to expand services. Race acknowledged the government’s recent £1bn funding boost for GPs but stressed that more support is needed to strengthen community healthcare.

“Community pharmacy and other primary care providers have enormous potential to help the government achieve its three strategic shifts for the NHS: moving care from hospitals to communities, embracing digital transformation, and shifting from treatment to prevention,” he added.

Race pledged to continue working with MPs across Parliament, as well as the Health Secretary and Ministers, to push for further investment and reforms in primary care.

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