Helen Salisbury: Is GPs’ access to scans just another transfer of work to general practice?

Abstract

The prime minister, Keir Starmer, has unveiled new plans to radically transform the NHS in a bid to cut waiting lists.1 One new element is the promise that GPs will be able to order more tests directly, including MRI and CT scans.2 This may speed up the process of reaching a diagnosis, as the relevant investigation will have already been performed by the time the patient sees a specialist, and if no abnormality is found it may be possible to reassure the patient without a hospital appointment. Discussions among GPs on social media reveal huge variations …