Major change to GP appointments as up to a million patients will receive accelerated heart and lung tests as part of plans to clear NHS record backlog

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Major change to GP appointments as up to a million patients will receive accelerated heart and lung tests as part of plans to clear NHS record backlog

  • General practitioners may refer patients to hospitals or community diagnostic centers
  • Up to 1 million patients could benefit from the accelerated access, officials said

By Xantha Leatham Deputy science editor for The Daily Mail

Updated:

Hundreds of thousands of patients can diagnose heart and respiratory problems earlier thanks to accelerated testing.

The NHS has announced plans to speed up the detection of serious health problems by allowing GPs to send their patients directly for check-ups.

This includes tests for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as cardiovascular disease and heart failure.

Up to one million patients could benefit from the accelerated access, reducing the need for specialist consultations and expediting potentially life-saving treatments and medications for patients, officials said.

The additional test route could also help relieve pressure during the busier winter months when demand is highest and respiratory illnesses are more common.

Up to one million patients could benefit from the accelerated access, reducing the need for a specialist consultation and expediting potentially life-saving treatments and medications for patients, officials said

The initiative, which already exists for cancer, has accelerated access to testing for nearly 80,000 people who may not meet the guidance threshold for an urgent cancer referral.

GPs will be able to refer patients with symptoms of heart and breathing problems for various check-ups at their local hospital or local community diagnostic centre, which will provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ for scans and tests.

In addition to diagnostic checks, one-stop shops can provide breath tests for asthma, blood tests to identify people at high risk for heart failure, and spirometry tests that can help diagnose lung conditions, including COPD.

By freeing up time for consultants, the move also has the potential to help NHS staff continue to reduce the inevitably accumulated covid backlogs.

Dr. Vin Diwakar, medical director for secondary care and transformation at NHS England, said: ‘We know how important it is to diagnose people with conditions such as heart failure, COPD and asthma early so that they can get the treatment they need to manage their condition. to master. properly, and to prevent more serious conditions or illnesses from developing.

“Our plans to improve direct access to GPs will enable thousands more to receive a vital diagnosis sooner, and by taking advantage of the additional capacity provided by more than a hundred community diagnostic centers offering a ‘one-stop- shop’ for community testing, patients can benefit from convenient triage and testing near their home – and, most importantly, avoid hospitalization or travel to A&E.

NHS staff are already making significant progress in clearing the Covid backlogs, and this efficient way of testing could potentially help us reduce that even further.

“As always, if people are concerned they may have symptoms of asthma or other respiratory symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, please get checked, especially before the winter months.”

Sarah MacFadyen, head of policy and external affairs at Asthma + Lung UK, added: ‘We know that too many people with lung conditions, especially those experiencing higher levels of deprivation, wait too long to get a diagnosis and the support they need.

“So these measures to speed up diagnosis and improve access to testing are a welcome step forward.”

It comes as NHS officials have also announced the creation of a one-stop-shop for hospitals in England to find companies that can help them move medically fit patients from hospital beds.

The 12 companies listed can help with a number of services, including patient discharge, while some can also help find appropriate out-of-hospital care for patients.

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

Cchronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) describes a group of lung conditions that cause the airways to narrow and become inflamed.

Examples include bronchitis, which affects the airways, and emphysema, which affects the air sacs.

This makes it more difficult to move air in and out as you breathe.

About 1.2 million people in the UK are diagnosed with COPD, according to statistics from the British Lung Foundation.

And in the US, 16 million people suffer from COPD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It usually develops as a result of long-term damage to the lungs from smoking or air pollution.

Jobs where people are exposed to fumes, dust and chemicals also increase risk.

COPD also seems to run in families.

And a rare genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency predisposes people at a very young age.

Symptoms include:

  • Shortness of breath during daily activities, such as walking
  • Persistent cough
  • Wheezing in cold weather
  • Producing excess mucus

In severe cases, patients lose their appetite, have swollen ankles, lose weight and may even cough up blood.

COPD is incurable and the damage to the lungs cannot be reversed.

However, treatments can help make breathing easier.

Patients should also quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight.

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