Improving lung health in Harefield, Hillingdon with the Healthier Lungs Project

Harefield, part of North Connect PCN in North Hillingdon, has some of the highest rates of lung disease in the region, from COPD and asthma to increased admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its green surroundings, this rural village has long battled the effects of deprivation, poor housing, intergenerational exposure to industrial pollutants and high smoking prevalence.

In response, a team of passionate healthcare professionals and community leaders launched the Healthy Lungs Project, a pioneering initiative bringing one stop respiratory care directly to the people who need it most.

Led clinically by Dr Rajivi Sanjeevi and supported by Dr Sabby Kant, inequalities lead for the PCN, the project offers onsite spirometry testing, smoking cessation clinics, early cancer screening referrals and integrated support through local networks. Since the project began in October 2024, the team has already:

• completed more than 100 spirometry tests
• identified respiratory disease in 1 in 6 tested patients
• sent over 2,300 smoking cessation invites
• referred more than 120 patients to community support and pulmonary rehabilitation

One of the key reasons for this success has been Harefield’s focus on community activation. Recognising that traditional outreach methods were not always effective, the team developed a side project to connect with residents through storytelling, shared heritage and a sense of place. This included plans for health walks and exhibitions that celebrate Harefield’s rich past, while encouraging people to take control of their lung health.

They also recruited Healthy Lung Champions, local volunteers from target communities who received training and ongoing support to help raise awareness, build trust and encourage participation. This grassroots approach has played a crucial role in increasing uptake of spirometry tests and other support services.

Dr Sabby Kant, Inequalities Lead, North Connect PCN said: “we knew we had to do something different. The data was stark and so was the local story. This project is about meeting people where they are and building trust through practical support.”

Beyond clinical care, Healthy Lungs is just as much about community connection. The project celebrates Harefield’s rich heritage, from its industrial past and war hospital roots to its identity today as home to a world leading heart and lung centre. Looking ahead, plans are underway for storytelling health walks and local exhibitions that bring together history, community and health, helping residents feel more connected to their surroundings and more confident in their wellbeing.

Dr Rajivi Sanjeevi, GP Partner, Harefield Practice said: “we’re proud to serve this village, this is just the beginning, but we need continued support to go further.”

Watch the full story: Healthy Lungs Project in Harefield - YouTube

L-R Scott Ridley Practice Manager, Dr Rajivi Sanjeevi GP Partner and Project Lead, Maisie Beechey Admin Lead, Dipak Patel Clinical Pharmacist, Bobbi Hughes Care Home Lead.

Harefield, part of North Connect PCN in North Hillingdon, has some of the highest rates of lung disease in the region, from COPD and asthma to increased admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its green surroundings, this rural village has long battled the effects of deprivation, poor housing, intergenerational exposure to industrial pollutants and high smoking prevalence.

In response, a team of passionate healthcare professionals and community leaders launched the Healthy Lungs Project, a pioneering initiative bringing one stop respiratory care directly to the people who need it most.