
WES STREETING: 'Tide is finally starting to turn on 8am scramble for GP appointment'
When I became Health and Social Care Secretary last year, I promised on the front page of this very newspaper to bring back the family doctor to end the 8am scramble that too many patients have had to put up with.
Thanks to this government's Plan for Change, the tide is finally starting to turn and we are delivering on that promise.
I pledged that we would cut red tape to rapidly hire 1,000 new GPs – many of whom were young doctors in the ludicrous position of being unemployed while patients were struggling to see a doctor.
In just 10 months, we've smashed through that target and hired more than 2,000 new GPs across England – and many of those are working in working-class communities hit hardest by years of underinvestment and mismanagement.
Mirror readers are among the many thousands already feeling the benefits. It means millions more appointments. More patients being seen. More peace of mind.
The latest figures tell a powerful story. Just a year ago, nearly one in five patients said they struggled to contact their GP.
Today, nearly 73% of patients who got in touch their practice rates their experience as good or very good, according to an independent survey by the Office for National Statistics.
That's progress and it's happening because this government is doing things differently.
We tore up the red tape that prevented newly qualified GPs from being hired. We invested £82 million to help local practices take on new staff.
We're not stopping there. Our 10 Year Health Plan is shifting power and services out of London and into communities where they belong, building neighbourhood health services rooted in prevention, not simply cure.
That means health centres under one roof, on your doorstep, with GPs, nurses, physiotherapy and mental health support all working as one team to keep you and your loved ones well.
The truth is, for too long working people, especially in places like the North, the Midlands, and coastal towns, have been treated like second-class citizens when it comes to healthcare. Illness doesn't discriminate, so why should our health services?
That's why this government is rebuilding the NHS so it works for everyone. Boosting appointments, widening access, calling time on the postcode lottery for health.
We've still got a mountain to climb, but better access to the family GP is already making a difference to people's lives. This is our Plan for Change in action. A government committed to delivering an NHS fit for the future, where no one gets left behind.

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Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
I helped my friend through cancer - then mine came back
My appointment was late. I remember sitting in the waiting area thinking: If it's cancer, surely they wouldn't leave me hanging? Finally in the room, I expected the doctor to check my name, date of birth – but he didn't do that. Beside him were a couple of nurses, which seemed a bit overkill for my results to be nothing. That's when the doctor told me it was breast cancer. I had found a lump in my breast, close to my armpit, at the start of October half term in 2017. By December I had been scheduled for a lumpectomy. Subsequent scans and a biopsy showed the cancer hadn't spread to my lymph nodes; it was followed up with six rounds of chemotherapy, one every three weeks. I felt progressively worse as time went on. I lost my hair – it would just fall out of my head as I was walking down the hallway. I let the kids shave my head which, in the circumstances, was quite a nice way of doing it. My daughter Amelia, who was then six, plaited a piece, which she cut off and kept. I started being sick after the second session, and then the nausea started before I even got to the hospital because I knew what was coming. By session six, I ended up being admitted because I was vomiting non-stop. The next stage was radiotherapy, which I finished on August 10, 2018. It marked the end of my active treatment, and I was told I was clear of disease. The first symptom of breast cancer that most women notice is a lump or an area of thickened tissue in their breast. You should see a GP if you notice any of the following: a new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that was not there before a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts a discharge of fluid from either of your nipples a lump or swelling in either of your armpits a change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness a rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast Via NHS. Afterwards, I thought: 'Right, time to move on; to start living our best lives'. I have a group of five school-mum friends, Debbie, Natalie, Sam and Steph and we would get together, eat pizza, drink Prosecco and occasionally plan some fundraising events for breast cancer charities – starting with a 1,000 mile bike ride in September 2018. We raised about £2,500 and it was really good for me to have something positive to focus on – I'm not very good at being still. Buoyed by the cycle, we took on muddy runs – not that all of us were thrilled about it. Some of my friends really like being clean and having their nails done, but they couldn't say no to the girl who had cancer. Reaching the five year mark after diagnosis really boosted my confidence; research suggests that five years clear of disease is a big step. Taking the cancer drug Tamoxifen was a daily reminder of what I'd been through but reaching that milestone was a bit of a sigh of relief. It was around this time I noticed Debbie was a little quiet; not her normal, chatty self. We had known each other for almost a decade, since our older two kids, now both 12, were in infant school, and our younger kids, Matthew and Libby, are both eight and thick as thieves. I was about to text her but before I could, my phone pinged with a message from her, telling she had found a lump. I was floored. Obviously, it took me back to getting my diagnosis but you just don't want anyone you know to have to go through cancer. I knew how it would impact her and her children: they were older than mine when I found out, and whereas I didn't even tell my then two-year-old son, her kids would understand everything. Debbie had a lump in her neck as well as her breast and the immediate worry was that it had already spread to other organs. Waiting for her results was agony. I didn't want to be that person pestering – but I've never checked my phone quite so much as I did that day. Mercifully, Debbie's cancer hadn't spread but she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Once Debbie got a treatment plan, I wanted to support her. Childcare was at the top of the list. There were some days, in the first week after each chemo session, that were really hard to drag myself to school. It was easy for me to collect Libby when I got Matthew and bring her back to ours for tea. When she started chemo, we worked out which days she tended to feel worse, and I took Libby to school, too. Discussing the importance of being breast aware, Addie Mitchell, clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Now, wants women to know there is no right or wrong way to check your breasts. 'It's about looking and feeling regularly so any changes can be spotted quickly,' she said. 'The sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the more effective treatment may be. 'Whatever your age, being aware of all the signs and symptoms of breast cancer is crucial – it's not just a lump to look out for. Other changes could be a nipple becoming inverted or a change in texture of the skin. 'While most symptoms won't mean breast cancer, if you notice anything unusual for you get it checked out by your GP. 'Anyone with questions can call Breast Cancer Now's nurses free on 0808 800 6000 or visit I still do that now every Friday – it's become our little ritual – because despite having completed treatment, Debbie has been badly impacted by the side effects. People often think that once you've finished chemo, you're done and out the other side. But I found the second lump in my armpit in the May half term last year (half terms aren't good for me!) and scans revealed that not only had my cancer returned, it had spread. It was in my lungs. I found out a few hours before the school fete. Debbie was in the midst of treatment, so Libby was coming with us. I remember walking around all these stalls, paying money for anything and everything but thinking, 'Oh, God…'. I spent a fortune on the Teddy Tombola for Libby – she must have gone home with about 20 of them – knowing that Debbie's husband, Andy, couldn't argue because I had cancer, again. Sarah and Debbie are fundraising for Breast Cancer Now and the Cavell Unit at Dewsbury Hospital. You can donate here I'm now having weekly chemo sessions. I have seen some reduction in size but treatment now is just to try and keep the cancer stable. The other week at chemo someone asked how many weeks I had left. I told her that my treatment is ongoing and she replied, 'But, it can't just go on forever?' I said 'No, you're right, it can't,' and she started crying on me. The plan is just to keep going. I like to think I lived my life to the fullest before cancer, but now, when my son Matthew climbs into bed and asks to read a bit more of his book I say yes. I don't want to miss out on stuff. In some respects, because I know what lies ahead, I get the chance to live my best life. Some people will never get that. This world can be awful but I think we can all just do our own little bit to make it a little bit better. Last year, Debbie and I hosted an afternoon tea to raise money for Breast Cancer Now; we raised £12,000. We've just done another one and increased our total to £10,000. Half is going to Breast Cancer Now and the other half to the Cavell Unit at Dewsbury Hospital, where Debbie and I both had treatment. More Trending Debbie checks in with me every Monday to ask how I'm doing. But it's hard for her. My secondary diagnosis is a reminder about the risk of reoccurrence. She is having scans every year and already walking on eggshells – having the stage 4 girl up the road can't be helpful. But it's helped massively to be in each other's lives. I'm glad I could be there to support her, and likewise. We are still there for each other. View More » As told to Rosy Edwards Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: My drink was spiked – then I got a life-changing diagnosis MORE: I had high hopes for adult summer camp – then I went MORE: I escaped my ex – now our 8-year-old son is the one being abused Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.


Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I lost seven stone WITHOUT Mounjaro – here's three very simple things I've done that have helped me slim down & tone up
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MOTHER has revealed that she lost seven stone without using Mounjaro. According to Lucy, instead of injecting herself with fat jabs, she swears by three very simple and straightforward things to slim down and tone up. 2 A savvy mum has shared the three healthy habits she followed which enabled her to lose seven stone Credit: TikTok/@lucy52915 2 Instead of using Mounjaro, Lucy, who is from the UK, swears by eating right and exercising to tone up Credit: TikTok/@lucy52915 Posting on social media, the mum, who is from the UK, gave her followers a before and after look at her weight loss, leaving many totally stunned. Rather than forking out the cash and travelling abroad for weight loss surgery, this mother swears by eating right and exercising to get a body of dreams. And not only does she look incredible, but people are struggling to believe she is the same person as the woman in her 'before' photos. The stunner, who has slimmed down and is now '7 stone lighter' attributes her weight loss to three healthy habits - eating in a calorie deficit, walking and weight lifting. Lucy explained that she is breastfeeding, so isn't able to use Mounjaro. As a result, she took matters into her own hands on a mission to slim down and when it comes to her diet, rather than eating nothing but fruit and vegetables, she swears by a big focus on protein. She confirmed that she consumes 180g of protein every day, as well as 27g to 30g of fiber. When it comes to walking, the savvy mum stressed the importance of doing 10,000 steps every single day, which she has been doing since 1st September 2024. And when she's not walking, she's exercising in the gym. According to this content creator, who believes strongly in being consistent, if you want to feel your best and lose weight, lifting weights is key. I'm a 'former fatty' who lost 12 stone WITHOUT jabs - being slim means I don't have to eat in the car to avoid judgement This mother confirmed that she goes to the gym four times a week and does two glute focused sessions, one catered to full body exercises and another on her upper body. After putting the effort in, less than a year since kicking off her health and fitness journey, Lucy has now reached her goal weight and doesn't want to lose any more. The NHS 12-step plan to help you lose weight FROM faddy diets to dodgy detoxes - most of us have heard it all before when it comes to weight loss. But burning fat can be easy and mostly free. In fact, the NHS has a whole load of medically-approved tips for weight loss and shedding body fat once and for all... Don't skip breakfast Skipping breakfast will not help you lose weight. You could miss out on essential nutrients and you may end up snacking more throughout the day because you feel hungry. Eat regular meals Eating at regular times during the day helps burn calories at a faster rate. It also reduces the temptation to snack on foods high in fat and sugar. Eat plenty of fruit and veg Fruit and veg are low in calories and fat, and high in fibre – 3 essential ingredients for successful weight loss. They also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals. Get more active Being active is key to losing weight and keeping it off. As well as providing lots of health benefits, exercise can help burn off the excess calories you cannot lose through diet alone. Drink lots of water People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. You can end up consuming extra calories when a glass of water is really what you need. Eat high fibre foods Foods containing lots of fibre can help keep you feeling full, which is perfect for losing weight. Fibre is only found in food from plants, such as fruit and veg, oats, wholegrain bread, brown rice and pasta, and beans, peas and lentils. Read food labels Knowing how to read food labels can help you choose healthier options. Use the calorie information to work out how a particular food fits into your daily calorie allowance on the weight loss plan. Use a smaller plate Using smaller plates can help you eat smaller portions. By using smaller plates and bowls, you may be able to gradually get used to eating smaller portions without going hungry. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain it's full, so eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full. Don't ban foods Do not ban any foods from your weight loss plan, especially the ones you like. Banning foods will only make you crave them more. There's no reason you cannot enjoy the occasional treat as long as you stay within your daily calorie allowance. Don't stock junk food To avoid temptation, do not stock junk food – such as chocolate, biscuits, crisps and sweet fizzy drinks – at home. Instead, opt for healthy snacks, such as fruit, unsalted rice cakes, oat cakes, unsalted or unsweetened popcorn, and fruit juice. Cut down on alcohol A standard glass of wine can contain as many calories as a piece of chocolate. Over time, drinking too much can easily contribute to weight gain. Plan your meals Try to plan your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the week, making sure you stick to your calorie allowance. You may find it helpful to make a weekly shopping list. Social media users gush Her TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @lucy52915, has clearly impressed many, as it has quickly racked up 844,000 views, 21,600 likes and 1,169 comments. Social media users were gobsmacked by Lucy's weight loss and many eagerly flocked to the comments to express this. Wow!! You look like a younger version of Jennifer Aniston now. Very well done TikTok user One person said: 'You can tell this is natural too. No Mounjaro and excuses here! Well done for creating new habits and not cheating. This will set you up for life.' Another added: 'That is an amazing achievement. You should be so proud of yourself.' How cutting out sugar can help you lose weight It might sound obvious, but cutting out sugar can help you lose weight - and this is why Reduced alorie intake: Sugar is calorie-dense but not nutrient-dense, meaning it provides a lot of calories without making you feel full. By cutting out sugar, you naturally reduce your overall caloric intake, which can create a calorie deficit and lead to weight loss. Lower Insulin Levels: Consuming sugar, especially in large amounts, causes spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to increased insulin production. Insulin is a hormone that promotes fat storage. By reducing sugar intake, you can help stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, making it easier for your body to burn fat. Decreased Cravings: Sugar can be addictive and lead to cravings for more sugary foods. By cutting it out, you may find that your cravings for unhealthy, high-calorie foods decrease, making it easier to stick to a healthier diet. Improved Satiety: Foods high in sugar are often low in fiber and protein, which are essential for feeling full and satisfied. By replacing sugary foods with more nutrient-dense options like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, you can increase your satiety and reduce overall calorie consumption. Better Nutrient Intake: When you cut out sugary foods, you often make room for more nutritious foods. This can improve your overall diet quality, providing your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function optimally, which can support weight loss efforts. Reduced Fat Storage: High sugar intake, particularly from fructose, can lead to increased fat production in the liver, contributing to weight gain and obesity. Cutting out sugar helps to reduce this effect. Enhanced Metabolism: Reducing sugar can improve metabolic health, including better insulin sensitivity and lower risk of metabolic syndrome, which can facilitate weight loss. By cutting out sugar and replacing it with healthier options, you can create a more balanced and sustainable diet that supports weight loss and overall well-being. A third commented: 'Wow you look amazing!! Well done.' At the same time, one user gushed: 'Wow!! You look like a younger version of Jennifer Aniston now. Very well done.' Meanwhile, someone else gasped: 'If that's the same person fair play.' To this, Lucy wrote back and confirmed: 'Yep it's me.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club


Sky News
2 hours ago
- Sky News
Conservatives vow to ban doctor strikes - as Kemi Badenoch hits out at 'militant' union
The Conservatives would ban strikes for doctors, Kemi Badenoch has said. The Tory leader said she would treat doctors the same as the army and police in order to bring the walkouts to an end. Under UK law, police officers, members of the armed forces and some prison officers are banned from striking. Resident doctors - previously known as junior doctors - began their five-day strike across England on Friday as part of an escalating row between NHS bosses and the British Medical Association (BMA) over pay. Last July, they were awarded a raise of 22% over two years, the highest public sector award in recent years. But the BMA has argued that pay has declined significantly since 2008 when adjusting for inflation and is calling for a pay rise of 29.2% to reverse "pay erosion". The latest deal saw doctors given a 4% increase, plus £750 "on a consolidated basis" - which comes to an average rise of 5.4%. Speaking to reporters, MS Badenoch said it was now Tory policy to ban strikes for resident doctors, arguing the BMA had become "too militant". "We have seen 11 strikes in the last sort of 18 months, two years," she said. "People are dying and it's costing the NHS billions. We need to bring these strikes to an end." She said she would also introduce minimum service levels for strikes - something that was brought in under Liz Truss's short tenure as prime minister before being repealed by the current government. The Conservatives argue their proposals would bring the UK in line with other nations across the world, including Australia and Canada, where restrictions on doctors striking are tighter. Meanwhile, Greece, Italy and Portugal have laws ensuring minimum service levels are in place across their health services. Speaking to Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Dr Tom Dolphin, the chair of the BMA, said doctors "don't want to be on strike" but felt they had no choice. "The reason that we are worried about the NHS and we're worried about the workforce in the NHS, is because doctors are being undervalued," he said. "They're leaving the NHS in large numbers, and what we're trying to do is make sure that the offer that's there from the NHS, the pay, the total reward package, is enough to recruit and retain the best doctors that the patients deserve in the NHS."