21/08/2026
An article in The Times has highlighted the mess we are failing to confront when it comes to cancer care.
People with red-flag cancer symptoms are having their referrals for secondary care bounced back.
The article highlighted a survey by Pulse of more than 700 GPs, which showed a quarter of referrals for secondary care were rejected and returned.
Even worse, more than a third of the bounce back referrals then asked GPs to do work outside of their remit.
We have a system that is fundamentally broken and patching it up is futile. A new approach is required to save lives and stop the rot.
The new Health Minister, Yvette Cooper, must get a grip. Yesterday.