Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to help reduce (a) digital, (b) language and (c) other barriers to South Asian communities accessing GPs for dementia care.

We understand how vital it is to ensure that all patients with dementia, including those with language barriers or difficulty using digital services, have their communication needs met, so that they can access general practices (GPs) and other National Health Services, and receive the same quality of healthcare as others. To support this, GPs must provide translation and interpretation services. They are also expected to meet the Accessible Information Standard (AIS), which outlines how to meet the communication needs of patients who require language support. This ensures non-English speakers can access GP services safely.

Digital tools, such as online consultation systems, can help patients book appointments, request prescriptions, and register more easily, especially for those who may struggle with phone conversations due to language barriers. However, we understand that digital access is not suitable for everyone. That’s why in-person support must always be available. GP reception desks must remain open to support those who cannot use phone or online options.