Prime Minister's New Cancer Pledge - Response From the
RCGP
26th September 2009
RCGP Chairman Professor Steve Field said:
“We are delighted to hear of the proposal to
provide GPs with better access to diagnostics – it echoes what the
RCGP has been calling for a long time and is a major boost for
patients and for GPs who work hard to provide the very best
possible care for our patients.
The two week referral time for those patients
where there is a high suspicion of cancer has made a major
difference to patients and their GPs. But GPs would welcome the
opportunity to refer patients directly for diagnostics such as MRI
and CT scans, ultrasound and flexible sigmoidoscopy without having
to refer to a specialist first.
Giving GPs easier access is a superb idea.
Even if the results of the tests are normal, it will be of great
benefit and reassure patients. It will also help us to pick up on
very early symptoms so that we can stop the development of cancers
and other serious diseases and save more lives.
We have been working hard with the cancer Tsar
Professor Mike Richards to look at ways in which GPs can do more to
prevent cancer and improve the outcomes for patients with cancer.
The Prime Minister’s announcement demonstrates that this work is
already translating into positive and tangible improvements.
This could prove to be one of the most
important breakthroughs for general practice and represents a major
vote of confidence in the ability and professionalism of GPs who
for too long have been dismissed as the poor relation of our
specialist colleagues.”
Professor Field is available for interview.
Please call the Duty Press Office on 07885 958 632