Practices are to get direct access to diagnostic checks for cardiovascular and lung diseases, it was announced today. The move follows the successful introduction of direct access pathways for patients with suspected cancer – but some GPs believe it is aimed at shifting work from secondary care to practices. NHS England said it would enable…

Government ministers have rejected proposals aimed at improving continuity of care for patients with GPs, it has been announced. The proposals came from the House of Commons health committee and its chair, Steve Brine, described the rejection as “disappointing”. MPs had proposed that the Department of Health develop a national measure for continuity of care…

Many GPs are willing to support extended practice closures as part of industrial action, it was reported today. A survey found that 31% of GP partners would shut their practices for a week and 54% would close for a day. Some 46% said they would provide undated resignations – a mechanism that has been used…

General practice leadership was in disarray last night after GPs in England ousted their leader, who is on maternity leave, in a vote of no confidence. The vote sparked a backlash – with public declarations of support for the ousted leader Dr Farah Jameel, however, the BMA committee members are hoping to elect a new…

Practices in London are to step up efforts to improve child vaccination rates amid threats of a major measles outbreak. An outbreak could affect tens of thousands of people because of low vaccination rates, the UK Health Security Agency has warned. It warned that an outbreak could see between 40,000 and 160,000 people affected. In…

Patient aggression towards receptionists in GP surgeries is a “serious workplace safety concern,” researchers warn today. A review, published in Family Medicine and Community Health, warns that such behaviour affects the wellbeing of the individuals concerned, increases levels of workplace absenteeism and has an impact on staff retention. Although there have been studies into behaviour…

Practices may struggle to accommodate a proposed doubling of medical school places, according to a new survey. Some medical students have reported joining up to nine other students on placements in practices – leading to few learning opportunities. GP Dr Elizabeth Toberty said: “We are frequently approached by local universities asking us to take more…