Backlash after Sir Keir Starmer’s vow to let patients bypass GPs and see a specialist straight away
SIR Keir Starmer yesterday sparked a backlash over his vow to slash “nonsense” red tape by letting patients bypass GPs and see a specialist straight away.
The Labour leader said patients with back pain should be able to self-refer to a physio to “lift the burden” on GPs, while someone with internal bleeding should not have to go to a doctor if they “just need a test”.
Sir Keir told the BBC: “If the NHS is to survive, I need . . . proposals for reform.”
But doctors accused him of downplaying their role.
Dr Rachel Clarke pointed out back pain could have a host of causes including cancer and multiple sclerosis.
She said: “But yes Keir Starmer, let’s fix the NHS by binning GPs & their poxy skills at triage. Who needs them?”
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Dr Ellie Cannon said: “I’m insulted and shocked.”
It came after it emerged Sir Keir was set to dump another key campaign pledge — the scrapping of university tuition fees.
He has also ditched vows to campaign for EU freedom of movement, end NHS outsourcing and do away with Universal Credit.
Nick Timothy, ex-PM Theresa May’s chief of staff, said: “Everything he said to get elected Labour leader he’s junked.”
