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BMJ 2015; 351 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h4936 (Published 16 September 2015) Cite this as: BMJ 2015;351:h4936

London practices “beset by blockages in flow”: General practices in London are unable to meet rising demands for appointments, the Londonwide Local Medical Committees have said in evidence to the House of Commons Health Committee’s inquiry into the pressure on primary care. A poll found that 70% of 531 practices had at least one GP who planned to retire in the next five years and that 10% were thinking of quitting. Michelle Drage, chief executive officer of the committees, blamed a shortage of health visitors, mental health services, and social service leaders for GPs missing important illnesses and for more consultations and longer waiting times.

New cancer diagnosis target set: Five hospitals in England are to pilot a new target to diagnose suspected cancer within 28 days, before the programme is rolled out across the country by 2020, the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, has said. Other measures intended to be in place by 2020 include around 20 000 more people a year having their cancers genetically tested, access to tests results online, and extra support for recovery, …

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