This week in conversation with Pulse editor Jaimie Kaffash, Londonwide CEO, Dr Lisa Harrod-Rothwell discussed a range of issues affecting general practice in London, likening access changes to adding extra doors to a rapidly filling bus. With no extra seats and with no prospect of extra capacity being available to meet the extra demand.
Throughout 2025 LMC members have held dozens of meetings with constituency MPs across London, while Londonwide LMCs leaders have been working to influence at a national and regional level. Marking her first 100 days as CEO in the summer, Lisa shared some of the prioritising for constituents. To that we can add speaking with Stephen Kinnock MP, the Primary Care Minister, several meetings with London MP and Health Select Committee Member Ben Coleman MP, discussing commissioning and prescribing with the GLA Health Committee, working with the Mayor of London to recognise the huge challenges faced by London GPs and your teams, and engaging with political stakeholders attending Labour Party Conference to speak about the pressures and challenges you face every day and suggest to MPs how they might be managed more effectively.
We have also worked closely with other community based organisations and networks, including a recent joint conference with Community Pharmacy London. All of this is in addition to the ongoing work on your behalf engaging with key stakeholders at NHS England, DHSC, CQC and many other organisations and agencies.
As 2025 draws to a close, with demand for GP appointments at record levels, we know that our work is not just about promoting the challenges that GPs face but also celebrating the good work you are doing. Which is why we are delighted that in February this year we held the inaugural London General Practice Awards in Parliament. And are looking forward to the second set of awards in Parliament next year.