Watford MP praised the work of the Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust during a visit to a clinic near his constituency office.

Richard Harrington called his visit to The Avenue Clinic a “revelation” as he witnessed the variety of services on offer to residents.

He met health visitors, who provide support and care for families with children under five, and visited one of the clinic’s newest services, the Early Supported Discharge (ESD) Stroke Team, who support stroke patients in their recovery when they leave hospital.

He said: “I found my visit an absolute education in what the Trust does. There are many different parts to the NHS in Watford and for me the HCT is one of the less known but incredibly helpful services.

“What I’ve seen today, with so many services in one building, has been a revelation. I do believe this is the future.

“There is so much pressure on GP surgeries and hospitals and the answer is to treat people at home, and the Trust do that.”

The visit doubled as a check-up when Mr Harrington had a Digital Retinal Screening, a photograph used to check on the health of the eye and also to screen for diabetes patients.

The Watford MP also spoke with Mike and Devie Shaw, who brought their 11 month-old daughter Robyn to see a health visitor.

At these routine checks, health visitors look at whether children are meeting their development milestones and give advice on important issues such as dental health and safety in the home.

Mr Shaw said: “As a first-time parent it is very reassuring to see someone and check you’re doing the right things.

“The health visitors have been very good. They’re always available to speak to or visit at the local clinic. They treat you as an individual and are very attentive.”