A campaign has been launched to extend the opening hours of a walk-in medical centre to help ease the pressure on A&E.

Harrow West MP Gareth Thomas has started the petition to open the Alexandra Avenue polyclinic, in Rayners Lane on weekdays.

In 2011 the walk-in centre’s opening hours were cut from being open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm, to opening only at weekends and on Bank Holidays.

The wording of the petition states: “I would like to see the opening hours at the Alexandra Avenue extended to ensure that more local people can access medical treatment quickly.”

Mr Thomas, Labour representative for Harrow West, said: “Health services in Harrow are under real strain.

“One of the reasons for the increasing pressure on the A&E department at Northwick Park was the decision three years ago to reduce the opening hours at Alexandra Avenue walk-in centre.

“That is why I have called on the Government to look again at Harrow’s NHS funding formula, and am starting a campaign to extend the opening hours at Alexandra Avenue.”

Last week Mr Thomas called on the Secretary of State for Heath Jeremy Hunt in the House of Commons for more money to be made available to open centre.

Polyclinics were introduced in London by the NHS seven years ago aiming to bridge the gap between hospitals and GP practices to offer a range of services under one roof.

Those interested in find out more about the petition and signing it can do so by clicking here.