The Doctors’ Association UK’s (DAUK) GP committee has urged the Government to work with GPs to reduce waiting lists.\r\n\r\nDr Taylor, GP spokesperson for the Doctors\u2019 Association UK, has questioned whether Government plans to reduce the NHS backlog are cost-effective, efficient, and improve the quality of care for patients.\r\n\r\nHe has responded to the Government\u2019s proposals in an interview on national radio and in a series of posts on social media.\r\n\r\nPosting on X, Dr Taylor said: \u201cGPs are experts in managing patients, reducing referrals, and easing the demand on hospitals.\r\n\r\n\u201cHowever, governments and NHS England have cut the funding to GP practices by 20 per cent in the past eight years, leading to fewer GPs and unemployed GPs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGovernment needs to work with GPs urgently.\u201d\r\n\r\nDr Taylor highlighted an NHS England document<\/a> in which an example of a reformed elective pathway for ear, nose, and throat (ENT) was cited.\r\n\r\nIn the example, the patient, Sarah, is seen by a nurse practitioner, referred for a CT scan at a community diagnostic hub, before her results are discussed by the nurse practitioner and an ENT registrar.\r\n\r\nDr Taylor said<\/a>: \u201cI\u2019m pretty sure if Sarah had seen a GP she wouldn\u2019t have needed to have a CT scan, no need to speak to the ENT registrar and, yes, it could be managed in the community\r\n\r\n\u201cWhy does NHS England always underestimate the skills of GPs?\u201d\r\n\r\nDAUK GP committee member Dr Alison George added<\/a>: \u201cWhat a waste of time, money, and resources, and of course a patient having unnecessary ionising radiation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhy won\u2019t the Department for Health just fund the employment of approximately 3,500 under and unemployed GPs so they can offer the holistic, expert generalist care that patients so desperately need and is in fact extremely good value for money?\r\n\r\n\u201cRemove physician associates from ARRS (additional roles reimbursement scheme). Put the funding back into the core budget. Allow practices to employ the GPs they want, so they can offer more patients the care they need and deserve.\u201d\r\n\r\nUnemployed GPs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n