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Giving GPs more control over how services are provided has enabled them to review urology services and remove steps that don't add value for patients.

Up until now, patients accessing these services had a wait of up to 48 weeks between GP referral to treatment, but plans are now in place which will allow GPs to simply refer patients direct to a one-stop clinic. Here they will assessed, receive all the necessary investigations under local anaesthetic, and will be seen by a clinician who will agree their treatment plan, meaning that referral to treatment time is hoped to be reduced to just two weeks.

For further information contact: Sandy Briddon, Project Director Thames Valley PCTs, 01189 822897