Hillingdon residents in Ruislip Manor and Hillingdon West wards currently lack GP coverage, according to a report reviewed by the Hillingdon Health and Social Care Select Committee. The Single Meeting Review: GP Coverage in Hillingdon report highlights that Hillingdon has no GPs in Ruislip Manor or Hillingdon West wards.
The committee met on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, to discuss GP coverage in the borough and consider potential solutions to address the disparity.
The report highlighted that Hillingdon has 42 GP surgeries organised into six Primary Care Networks (PCNs), with two GP practices operating outside of these networks. However, it also revealed a significant gap in service, with no GPs currently located in the Ruislip Manor or Hillingdon West wards.
The committee's review aimed to assess the number and geographical location of GPs in Hillingdon, and whether the current provision is adequate to serve the local population. The Single Meeting Review: GP Coverage in Hillingdon report suggested several terms of reference for the review, including:
- Understanding the services currently provided by GPs in Hillingdon.
- Understanding how GP services are commissioned and the impact of changes being faced by the Northwest London Integrated Care Board.
- Reviewing the current availability of support for GPs.
- Establishing the effectiveness of services commissioned from pharmacies and other providers to alleviate pressure on GPs.
- Exploring the possibility of pharmacies providing additional services.
- Making recommendations to the Cabinet based on the committee's findings.
The report also noted that GPs are often the first point of contact for individuals with physical or mental health needs, either treating patients directly or referring them to appropriate pathways for diagnosis and treatment.
Data included in the Public Reports Pack indicated that, as of the end of September 2024, there were 38,421 NHS GPs in England. The report stated that NHS England has delegated its responsibilities for the direct commissioning of primary care services to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), including contractual management and supporting improvement and transformation of services.
The report highlighted that the number of patients per GP is higher in North West London than the London or England average. To address these issues, the committee considered several lines of enquiry, including:
- Ensuring consistent service provision across all GP practices.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of pharmacy services in alleviating pressure on GPs.
- Identifying potential additional services that pharmacies could provide.
- Monitoring and managing waiting times for appointments.
- Assessing whether the geographical scope of provision meets residents' needs.
- Addressing issues concerning the recruitment and retention of GPs to support Hillingdon residents and how they are being addressed.
- Taking action to increase the number of GPs practicing in the Borough.
The Public Reports Pack also included information about enhanced access and same-day urgent care services. NHS England implemented new requirements from 1 October 2022, mandating that all PCNs provide Enhanced Access appointments between 6.30pm and 8pm on weekdays and between 9am and 5pm on Saturdays.
In Hillingdon, GP hubs have been established to support practices by providing same-day appointments for patients with urgent needs. The committee identified potential witnesses for future reviews, including Sean Bidewell from the North West London Integrated Care Board, Edmund Jahn from the Hillingdon GP Confederation, and Lisa Taylor from Healthwatch Hillingdon.
