New breed of medics 'will cut waiting times'

I've thought for a long time that something like this should be done. I know nurses whose diagnostic powers are pretty good, it seems a waste not to use such people in a supervised way. Barefoot doctors.

The new healthcare workers, known as medical care practitioners (MCPs), will have a similar role to junior doctors - and be supervised by senior doctors. But unlike doctors, who spend six years at medical school, they will be treating patients after just two years' training.

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Health | New breed of medics 'will cut waiting times': On Del.icio.us: medical, barefoot_doctors, MCP's, UK