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Health policies need to be piloted first

It would be nice if someone in politics would suggest a policy that is backed by evidence.

(News:'Tories promise Sunday access to GPs')

Lots of things seem like a good idea – particularly if you are a layperson – but are not. All the Conservative plans will do is give people access they don't need, and make doctors grumpy and fed up. We will perform less well, be less productive and less likely to go the extra mile for our patients.

So, do a pilot study, and see if it really does give health benefits, rather than putting out a soundbite policy that may have a negative effect on patient care and a positive effect on retirement rates.

Better still, please leave us alone and let us do our jobs.

From Dr Mark Aley, Chandler's Ford, Hampshire