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14/08/2003
NHS Plan's GP targets met ahead of schedule
There are now more than 1000 GPs with a special interest treating patients in England, achieving the target set in the NHS Plan one year ahead of schedule, Health Minister Rosie Winterton announced today.
The figures show some 1250 such GPs are taking referrals from fellow GPs in areas such as dermatology, cardiology, and ear nose and throat surgery.
This means more patients can be treated for complaints in specialist areas without having to visit a consultant in hospital, offering patients improved access and healthcare often nearer their homes.
Rosie Winterton said: "Where GPs with special interests are working, patients are seeing real benefits. Waiting times are reduced and patients are able to receive treatment traditionally only available in hospitals.
"There are millions of out-patients appointments that could take place in the community if there are the GPs with the specialist skills to treat them.
"Developing these new roles for GPs - and for nurses and other healthcare professionals too - will help the NHS provide a more convenient and efficient service to the public, while GPs who wish to are able to extend their skills."
(gmcg)
The figures show some 1250 such GPs are taking referrals from fellow GPs in areas such as dermatology, cardiology, and ear nose and throat surgery.
This means more patients can be treated for complaints in specialist areas without having to visit a consultant in hospital, offering patients improved access and healthcare often nearer their homes.
Rosie Winterton said: "Where GPs with special interests are working, patients are seeing real benefits. Waiting times are reduced and patients are able to receive treatment traditionally only available in hospitals.
"There are millions of out-patients appointments that could take place in the community if there are the GPs with the specialist skills to treat them.
"Developing these new roles for GPs - and for nurses and other healthcare professionals too - will help the NHS provide a more convenient and efficient service to the public, while GPs who wish to are able to extend their skills."
(gmcg)
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