Major change to GP appointments will speed up tests for up to 1million patients

A MILLION Brits stand to benefit from plans to fast-track tests for heart disease and asthma on the NHS.

GPs will be able to order tests directly for deadly conditions that also include heart failure and emphysema under the new strategy.

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The move will help free-up consultants’ time and reduce the Covid backlog, health chiefs claim.

Dr Vin Diwakar, of the NHS, said: “Our plans to enhance GP direct access will enable thousands more to get a vital diagnosis sooner.

“Patients can benefit from convenient triaging and testing near their homes and, importantly, avoid a hospital admission or trip to A&E.

“NHS staff are already making significant progress in reducing the Covid backlogs, and this efficient way of testing, can potentially help us to reduce that even further.”

The NHS introduced similar direct test access for cancer at GPs last November, allowing 80,000 people who may not have got an urgent cancer referral to get a test so far.

Now, people with symptoms of heart disease, heart failure, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — including emphysema and chronic bronchitis — will get tests quicker.

At the moment, GP practices can choose to refer a patient to a specialist or to send them straight for testing if they meet certain criteria.

However, these powers vary in how they are applied due to a lack of resources or confidence.

The additional route to testing could reduce the need for specialist consultation and help diagnose and treat patients faster, the NHS said.

John Maingray, of the British Heart Foundation, said: “Many people are facing extremely long waits for heart care in England.

“Improving access to vital diagnostic tests could help more people receive a diagnosis of heart failure sooner. 

“However, it’s important that there are enough NHS staff in place to deliver these tests and any treatment that patients may need in order to address the ever-growing backlog.”