Major Boost to GP Capacity at Langford Surgery

Alistair Strathern MP, Member of Parliament for Hitchin, welcomed news that the Langford Branch of Safron Health Partnership will be expanding GP appointments by 80% from June this year. 

Mr Strathern has been working closely with the local NHS leadership, Saffron Health, and local patients to push for expansion at the Langford practice since last year, after the growth of the village placed significant pressures on appointments at the partnership’s Langford branch. 

After Mr Strathern worked with the partnership to review the data behind pressures, they have agreed to hire an additional two GPs for the Langford branch. This will see 438 GP appointments available a month from June 2026, up from 242 in April. 

Mr Strathern said:

“For far too long, investment in our GP services hasn’t kept pace with the growth of our towns and villages. For Langford residents, who have experienced a lot of recent development and growth in the area, I’m determined to help put that right.

“That’s why I’ve been working closely with the NHS patients, and Saffron Health GP to demand additional capacity for Langford. I’m delighted that, following a series of discussions and with the support of new Government funding flexibility, Saffron GP Partnership have now committed to bringing on two extra GPs for the Langford practice. 

“This will mean a substantial increase in appointments for residents, which is a very welcome step forward.

“There is still more to do, but this is another important milestone in ensuring that everyone can see a doctor locally when they need one.”

The announcement comes alongside Mr Strathern’s progress over the last 18 months in expanding GP access at Larksfield and Arlesey GP, additional funding for local GPs, and work to secure expansions at Shefford and Stondon. Alistair Strathern MP, met with the Langford Patient Participation Group to celebrate the news.