AGREEMENT to push for improved primary care outcomes has been reached between NHS Somerset leaders and local MP Rachel Gilmour.

In particular, they agreed to work together to widen access to dentists in the Tiverton and Minehead constituency, which covers West Somerset, parishes neighbouring Wellington, and parts of the Blackdown Hills and Culm Valley.

Mrs Gilmour said there was a ‘strong appetite’ for action and she was especially keen to see an expansion of a pilot to proactively identify dental interventions in school-age children.

She also discussed GP surgery accessibility with NHS Somerset chief executive Jonathan Highman and they agreed on the need for a holistic and integrated care plan across pharmacies, hospitals, GPs, dentists, and others.

Mrs Gilmour said: “We are aligned on much of our vision.”