An MP has called for the Government to release funds to reopen a walk-in service to relieve pressures on nearby hospitals.

Harrow West MP, Gareth Thomas, wants the Alexandra Avenue Walk-in Centre to be reopened in anticipation of increased winter pressures on the NHS and Northwick Park Hospital.

The health centre closed its walk-in service in early November and now only accepts patients who book their appointment before arriving.

The walk-in centre saw around 40,000 people a year, but due to pressures on the NHS the CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) cut back on services to plug the £50 million funding gap.

According to figures from the London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, over 25 per cent of patients arriving at major A&E departments in North West London were not treated within four hours.

Mr Thomas said: “Immediately following the removal of the walk-in service at Alexandra Avenue we have seen pressures begin to mount on hospitals across North West London. The closure of the walk-in centre is contributing to unacceptable numbers of sick people waiting too long to be get treated.

“This is at a time when Northwick Park accident and emergency is once again under intense pressure over the winter period. It is high time extra funds were allocated by the Department of Health so that this popular, well-used walk-in centre at Alexandra Avenue can be re-opened.”