Patients promised speedier access to GPs as long waits named and shamed

Patients promised speedier access to GPs as long waits named and shamed Patients will be promised speedier access to GPs with family doctors named and shamed for long waiting times, under new NHS plans.

The new targets come alongside a major overhaul of emergency care, with promises to increase the proportion of 111 calls assessed by medics, amid concern that too many decisions are being made by ill-trained handlers.

The plans come as official figures show record waits in Accident & Emergency departments, and warnings that the number of patients stuck on trolleys is “going through the roof”.

Simon Stevens, head of the NHS, has ordered hospitals to empty up to 3,000 beds as soon as possible, in order to relieve pressure on services. The Daily Telegraph