NHS fast track scheme will cut waiting lists, PM to say

Patients with symptoms of bowel and lung conditions, cancer and heart failure will be fast-tracked for scans and tests, under government plans to cut NHS waiting times.

- JANE DALTON

Under the prime minister's plans, GPs will be able to directly send people for diagnostic testing, avoiding waits to see consultants first.

People suffering ear, nose and throat, gynaecological, urological and bowel complaints are all set to benefit by receiving their results weeks earlier. Other conditions covered include breathlessness, asthma in young children and post-menopausal bleeding.

The change is among radical shake-up of procedures aimed at reducing waits for millions of patients in England and reducing pressure on the health service.

Currently, many patients sent by their doctor for a scan, X-ray or probe have to wait for an appointment with a consultant before having the test.

Sir Keir Starmer is also set to announce on Monday that thousands of patients in England will be offered a “same-day service”, including a follow-up consultation on the same day as their scan or test, enabling more people to get the all-clear or start treatment more quickly.