Improving GP access to diagnostics

Two doctors checking CT scanThe third NAEDI work stream is working towards faster, more accurate diagnosis of cancer through primary care, including baseline assessment of current access, prioritisation, workforce, equipment and processes for following up on positive and negative results.

The Cancer Diagnostics Advisory Board, chaired by Mike Richards and Alan Robson, has been established.

GP survey on diagnostics

Doctor looking at a chest x-rayA pilot survey has been conducted as part of a piece of work to assess the current provision and use of NHS funded diagnostics. The survey, distributed to Macmillan GPs, aimed to explore any potential delays in cancer diagnostics to help inform future work.

 

Announcement on primary care access to diagnostics    

December 2010 saw an announcement from the Department of Health that more than £25million will be made available over 2011/12 to improve GP access to diagnostics. The funding will allow GPs to begin to have greater access to:

  • non-obstetric ultrasound, to support the diagnosis of ovarian cancer
  • flexible sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy, to support the diagnosis of bowel cancer
  • brain MRI scans, to support the diagnosis of brain cancer.