RCGP response to BMJ paper on two-week breast cancer
referral rates
Professor Mayur Lakhani, Chairman of the Royal College of
General Practitioners, said:
“Being able to refer a patient with suspected cancer who can be
seen within two weeks has been one of the most important advances
in the NHS in recent times – I know of a patient who was assessed,
diagnosed and started treatment within four days.
"However, the two-week scheme can sometimes be
too rigid. Every patient is different and they do not fit ‘neat’
criteria. GPs are experts at tailoring and judging referrals but
can be hampered by referral schemes which act as ‘straightjackets’.
Problems arise because the voice of GPs is sometimes ignored in
designing clinics. For the future, GPs want a two week scheme that
is more flexible, responsive and where they are able to readily
refer patients to senior consultants."
ends
For more information please contact Gillian Watson in the
RCGP press office 020 7344 3135 / press@rcgp.org.uk