Community Update - 12 March 2026

Thursday 12 March 2026

Community update

Adult community specialist palliative care in north west London update

We know that needing palliative or end-of-life care can be an incredibly difficult and uncertain time for people and their families. Clear information, timely support and knowing where to turn can make a real difference.

An NHS North West London news story sets out how adult community specialist palliative and end-of-life care is improving across north west London, what support is already in place, and what further changes are coming over the next two years.

New NHS campaign to help reduce medicine waste in London

NHS North West London has teamed up with the other NHS Integrated Care Boards across the capital to launch a new campaign encouraging people to only order the medicines they need to help reduce waste.

Across the NHS, unused medicines cost around £300 million every year – money that could be used to provide other NHS care. In north west London alone, there is an estimated £465k in potential savings.

Many people feel they need to order every medicine listed on their repeat prescription, even if they still have some at home. Before reordering, we’re encouraging patients to take a moment to check what they already have. If you still have enough medicine to last, you do not need to request more just yet.

Please only order the medicines that you need.

Find out more on the NHS North West London website.

Have your say on the future of specialist cancer services at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre

People across north west London are being encouraged to share their views on the proposals to relocate the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in Hillingdon to a new, purpose‑built facility next to Watford General Hospital. The public consultation is now open, giving patients, residents, staff and partners the chance to help shape the future of these vital services.

The centre supports patients across Hertfordshire, north west London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and east Berkshire, and is used by people living in Hillingdon, followed by Harrow, Ealing and Brent. Your experiences and views matter, and they will help ensure that any future service reflects what local people need.

These proposals aim to secure modern, sustainable cancer care by bringing services together on a site with essential medical support such as A&E and critical care. This would improve access to the latest treatments, research opportunities, and high‑quality facilities.

The Mount Vernon Cancer Services Review website explains how you can take part.

Use and control of data

NHS North West London is currently working with NHS North Central London ICB (NCL) to prepare for the creation of a single Integrated Care Board covering both areas from April 2026. During this transition period, we may need to share limited and appropriate information with colleagues in North Central London for planning, assurance and preparation activities that support the safe and effective establishment of the future organisation. Any information shared will be handled in line with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and our existing information governance obligations.

At this time, NHS North West London is the data controller; this will change to the new West and North London ICB from 1 April 2026.

Our Involvement Team in your community

The NHS North West London Involvement team attended the Age UK Westminster Mental Health Forum at the Beethoven Centre last week. They supported the facilitation of discussion with 14 attendees, exploring experiences of mental health, barriers to accessing support, and ways to improve wellbeing and reduce isolation in the borough.

Future communications

We have been reviewing our communications as part of the merger process. This will be the last NHS North West London update as we will merge with North Central London ICB on 1 April 2026 – but we will continue to work closely with residents and keep you updated. Keep an eye on the NHS North West London website for updates on our work and how you can get involved. You will be able to link through to our new website once it launches.