The Member of Parliament for Hertsmere, Sir Oliver Dowden visited Highview Medical Centre in Potters Bar to meet with Senior Partner & Co-Clinical Director for Hertsmere Neighbourhood Dr Anup Shah, and other practice and patient representatives, to discuss both the significant pressures facing general practice and the opportunities created by new technology.
During the visit, Sir Oliver spent time with staff to understand the day-to-day challenges experienced by primary care, including rising patient demand, workforce pressures, and increasing administrative burdens. The discussion also highlighted positive developments within the sector, particularly the growing role of digital tools in supporting clinicians and improving efficiency, and ambitions for Neighbourhood Health.
The Highview Medical Centre team shared how the rollout of artificial intelligence is beginning to assist with routine tasks, such as drafting referral letters, helping to reduce administrative workload and allowing clinicians to focus more time on patient care.
Sir Oliver said: “It was valuable to spend time with Anup Shah and the team at Highview Medical Centre and hear directly about the pressures facing primary care. I was also encouraged to see how the practice is using new technology, including AI, to support staff with administrative tasks and free up more time for patient care.”
Sir Oliver added: “Visits like this are important in understanding what is working on the ground and where further support is needed.” Dr Anup Shah agreed, "we welcome senior politicians to understand the challenges and ambitions of local healthcare to lend their support. Sir Oliver was an early champion of the safe use of AI in healthcare - and we are grateful for his efforts and ongoing attention."
Sir Oliver Dowden welcomed the open discussion and praised the commitment of staff at Highview Medical Centre, noting the importance of supporting primary care while ensuring that new technologies are introduced safely and effectively.
The visit formed part of Sir Oliver Dowden’s ongoing engagement with local health services, ensuring that the experiences of frontline staff help inform wider conversations about the future of healthcare.
