Keir Starmer has been slammed for suggesting that people with internal bleeding should not have to go to a GP for a referral. During an interview with BBC journalist Laura Kuenssberg, Starmer was asked about reforms in the NHS and the changes that his party would implement.
Starmer proposed allowing patients to make self-referrals to ease the workload and paperwork of practicing doctors. During the interview he mentioned a number of instances where self proposals could be beneficial such as people with back pain and those with internal bleeding who need further tests.
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Speaking to Laura Kuenssberg, Starmer said: "One of proposals we've put forward is would it not be possible to consider self referrals? So that individuals don't have to go to a doctor, use up a doctor's time in order to get referred to specialist help.
"If you've back pain and you want to see a physio, it ought to be possible, I think, to self refer. If you've got internal bleeding and you just need a test there ought to be a way that doesn't involve going to see a GP."
Many have voiced their displeasure at Starmer's use of internal bleeding as an example, with some describing his words as 'dangerous & irresponsible'. One twitter user who says they work for the NHS commented: "Dear UK Public - These are not the NHS reforms you’re looking for. If you have internal bleeding seek medical attention. A self-directed test is not appropriate for this issue.
"@Keir_Starmer please apologise & alter this dangerous & irresponsible statement today."
Political economist, Richard Murphy also chimed in and said: "WTF is Starmer talking about? If you really have internal bleeding you probably need to be in A&E now. So what does he think he talking about? This seems like total irresponsibility to me."
Starmer has been calling for a reform of the NHS this week. In a recent article for the Telegraph he laid out his vision for the health service and said the current state of the institution was "intolerable and dangerous".
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