Bring on the pharmacists – the first step to saving the NHS | Simon Jenkins

The NHS’s problem isn’t a lack of money, it’s an abundance of restrictive practices. So putting pharmacies in GP surgeries is just the start we need

The NHS has long grown fat on restrictive practices. If I want an NHS doctor and need a blood test, I make a separate appointment with a nurse. If I want an NHS specialist, I must see an NHS doctor first for a “referral”. If I have an accident I may have to wait hours to see a doctor, even if a nurse can help me in five minutes. To get a simple me...