The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges’ document Choosing Wisely – which has been widely reported in the media – says doctors should work with patients to cut out treatments and procedures which are of ‘questionable value’.
Patients with brain tumours often wait months or even years for diagnostic tests because their symptoms – such as persistent headaches or dizziness – are not thought worthy of further investigation.
We would be extremely concerned if this move by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges led to further delays in brain tumour diagnoses.
We understand that the NHS is under pressure, and that there are times when certain treatments are not appropriate, but it is vital that GPs are supported in referring patients if symptoms flag up a potentially deadly disease.