Alan Johnson announcement on vascular screening – RCGP
response
01.04.08
Professor Steve Field,
Chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners said:
“The RCGP supports the
Government’s move to help prevent vascular diseases. We are pleased
that the emphasis is moving towards preventative measures - rather
than just patching people up when they are ill.
“It is important that
patients have as much information as possible so that they can make
choices about how they can improve their health and live longer and
healthier lives. GPs are already demonstrating that they are up for
this challenge in their day to day work in their surgeries.
“We are pleased that
additional funds are being made to extend prevention to people who
would not normally come into contact with health services. We hope
that the Government will keep its nerve and continue with the
funding even though the benefits might not be seen for some
years.
“The RCGP is keen to work
on the implementation of this important programme. There is
evidence that if we can identify those at risk early enough, we can
have a dramatic effect in helping people change their lifestyles
and improve their health through specially targeted interventions
such as smoking cessation and earlier access to treatment.”
ends.
For more information please contact the RCGP press
office 020 7344 3135/3136/3137/3129 or email press@rcgp.org.uk