Hertsmere Borough Council (HBC) has once again stepped up its long-running campaign for better access to NHS services locally, as Labour Leader of the Council, Jeremy Newmark, has written directly to The Secretary of State for Health, Wes Streeting MP, to urge urgent intervention to resolve the worsening GP and primary care crisis in the borough.
The letter outlines years of frustration and missed opportunities — not caused by local government, but by a lack of engagement and investment from NHS bodies — and sets out the bold, practical steps the Labour-led council is already taking to push for solutions.
“When we were in opposition, we raised this issue time and again,” said Cllr Newmark. “Now, in administration and working with a Labour Government, we’re using every lever available to us to make the case for proper NHS investment in Hertsmere.”
Hertsmere faces a stark shortage of GPs — just 0.56 per 1,000 residents, compared to 0.64 across South West Herts — with no urgent care facility within the borough. This forces residents to travel long distances for basic care, while local A&E departments are overwhelmed by low-acuity cases that could be better managed closer to home.
Population growth is compounding the problem. Under revised government targets, Hertsmere must deliver over 1,000 new homes per year — a 41% increase — yet the NHS infrastructure is not keeping pace.
Crucially, Cllr Newmark has not just highlighted the issues — he has proactively offered solutions:
In Shenley and Bushey, developers have agreed (at the Council’s instigation) to provide land and construct medical centres at peppercorn rent — with HBC pledging to fully fund the fit-out of the buildings.
In South Borehamwood, where no GP practice currently exists, the Council has offered ready-to-use premises at no cost to the NHS.
Despite these offers, the local NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) has failed to take them up — citing workforce and funding issues.
“We’ve been doing everything we can as a council, despite having no formal responsibility for NHS provision,” said Cllr Newmark. “The real frustration is that we’ve put practical, cost-free options on the table — and they’ve been turned down.”
In his letter, Cllr Newmark urges Mr Streeting to intervene and ensure that local NHS leaders seize the opportunities available to address the urgent need for more GP services. He also requests a meeting with the Department of Health to help move the conversation forward.
“We know what’s needed. We know where it’s needed. And we’re offering the sites and support to make it happen. We’re not waiting for others — we’re leading the way,” said Cllr Newmark.
“Now we need the NHS to come to the table and work with us to deliver healthcare services fit for the future.”
HBC continues to demonstrate that even in areas where the council has limited powers, local leadership and ambition can make a difference — and they will keep fighting to ensure residents get the healthcare access they deserve.