NHS & Dentistry Campaign

Since being elected in 2010, I have worked to ensure our rural area gets fair healthcare and education. The NHS received record funding of £164.9 billion for 2024-25, 45% more than in 2018-19. The previous Government also launched the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, with £2.4 billion to expand staff training and increase productivity.

Locally, I have pushed for healthcare improvements securing funding to rebuild Airedale Hospital by 2030 due to its failing concrete structure. I am concerned that the new Government might delay this, but I will work to ensure the rebuild happens. Airedale also received £4.12 million for a new Urgent Treatment Centre, and in 2020, nearly £2 million was allocated for upgrades and a new critical care facility.

In Ripon, a new diagnostic centre opened in 2023 providing vital scans and tests to help reduce waiting times, especially for cancer and surgery. I will continue advocating for the new Government to prioritise reducing waiting lists.

I also successfully campaigned to reopen Castleberg Hospital in 2019 and addressed concerns about access to NHS dentists. The last Government launched a £200 million Dental Recovery Plan to provide more appointments and attract dentists to underserved areas. I will ensure the new Government continues these efforts to improve healthcare access in Skipton and Ripon.

News

Julian Smith hosts School Leaders' Lunch

Julian Smith MP recently hosted his annual School Leaders’ Lunch, which brings together student leaders and headteachers from secondary schools in Skipton and Ripon.