I have already expressed my concerns about the introduction of polyclinics into London and Harrow.

I am particularly concerned that the proposed polyclinic at Alexandra Avenue is the start of a process that will put local GP surgeries and hospitals at risk.

Ministers' plans are to replace local GPs' surgeries with impersonal super-surgeries known as 'polyclinics'. It has been estimated that 1,700 family doctor surgeries could be closed down across England - 1,100 in London - with up to 34 of the current 39 surgeries in Harrow under threat. Estimates have suggested that across Harrow, at least three quarters of GP surgeries could be shut under Labour's plans.

Polyclinics are little different from small hospitals, and nothing like the independent, local GP practice with just a few doctors that patients know and trust. As they also partly do some work currently performed by hospitals, they put local hospitals as well as GP surgeries at risk. Northwick Park is already under threat with serious financial problems, this will be a significant threat to their long-term future.

What is worse is that the local patients have not been asked about polyclinics in general, or specifically about the Alexandra Avenue plans, which will have limited parking and be very inaccessible for many people. This and future polyclinics cannot be worth risking GP and hospital services in Harrow.

DR RACHEL JOYCE

Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate, Harrow West

Via email