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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Andrew Gregory Health editor

GPs to get power to fast-track patients for heart and lung checks

Doctor holding a clipboard and pen
Up to 1 million patients could be fast-tracked for checks for asthma, cardiovascular disease, heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Photograph: KTM_2016/Getty Images/iStockphoto

GPs will be given powers to send up to 1 million patients directly for fast-track checks in an attempt to speed up diagnosis of heart and lung conditions.

NHS officials in England say the scheme means hundreds of thousands of people will be able to get checked quickly instead of being stuck on long waiting lists to see a hospital specialist first.

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