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Physios to get prescription powers in England | Physios to get prescription powers in England |
(40 minutes later) | |
Physiotherapists and podiatrists in England are to get the right to prescribe medicines by themselves. | Physiotherapists and podiatrists in England are to get the right to prescribe medicines by themselves. |
Ministers agreed to the change in the law after carrying out a consultation, but it will be 2014 before it is fully rolled out. | Ministers agreed to the change in the law after carrying out a consultation, but it will be 2014 before it is fully rolled out. |
When physios and podiatrists do start prescribing they will become the first in the world to be given such powers. | When physios and podiatrists do start prescribing they will become the first in the world to be given such powers. |
And it will mean patients do not have to go back to GPs to get drugs such as anti-inflammatories and painkillers. | And it will mean patients do not have to go back to GPs to get drugs such as anti-inflammatories and painkillers. |
'Huge improvement' | 'Huge improvement' |
The changes have still to be approved by Parliament. | The changes have still to be approved by Parliament. |
But the decision by ministers to press ahead marks a significant milestone in the long-running campaign to extend prescribing powers. | But the decision by ministers to press ahead marks a significant milestone in the long-running campaign to extend prescribing powers. |
Over the past 10 years senior nurses have been given more responsibility for prescribing and it has long been argued that other health professionals should also get the powers too. | Over the past 10 years senior nurses have been given more responsibility for prescribing and it has long been argued that other health professionals should also get the powers too. |
Health minister Lord Howe said: "By introducing these changes, we aim to make the best use of their skills and allow patients to benefit from a faster and more effective service." | Health minister Lord Howe said: "By introducing these changes, we aim to make the best use of their skills and allow patients to benefit from a faster and more effective service." |
Dr Helena Johnson, of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, said the move would "hugely improve" the care physios could provide. | Dr Helena Johnson, of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, said the move would "hugely improve" the care physios could provide. |
"Patients will now receive a more streamlined and efficient service, meaning they get the medicines they need more immediately," she added. | "Patients will now receive a more streamlined and efficient service, meaning they get the medicines they need more immediately," she added. |
Are you a physiotherapist or podiatrist? How do you feel about being given powers to prescribe medicines? Please send us your comments using the form below. |