A Harrow MP has demanded more money from the Government to save a north-west London health care service.

Gareth Thomas MP for Harrow West called for a “substantial increase” in funding during a Commons debate after learning Harrow Clinical Commissioning Group is in special measures, reporting a forecast deficit of £40million.

The “funding crisis” for the NHS in north-west London has already meant the closure of the “much-loved and vital” Alexandra Avenue walk-in service in November.

The clinic was the first of three to open in June 2009 enabling people to walk in off the street and see a doctor without an appointment every day of the year.

Speaking about the impact on nearby Northwick Park Hospital, Mr Thomas said 25 per cent of patients in A&E over the past five years had not been seen within four hours, providing a “further indication of the decline in quality across the National Health Service in north-west London.”

He added: “It cannot be acceptable that decisions are now being taken to reduce valuable services, especially at a time when our health service is being severely stretched at the A&E level. I will continue to campaign for vital services like the Alexandra Avenue walk-in centre, to ensure another generation of Harrow West residents will have access to such a valuable service.”

The latest petition to reopen the Alexandra Avenue walk-in centre can be found here https://gareththomas.org.uk/alexandra-avenue-walk-in-clinic-petition/