A new pilot scheme has been launched by the Government to train more social care nurses to prescribe medicines across seven ICB areas.
The seven areas in England will receive funding for prescribing training for 150 nurses, in an effort to prevent hospital admissions and free up doctors’ time.
The pilot has been launched by the health and social care secretary, Wes Streeting, and could be introduced on a national-scale from next year.
Mr Streeting said: ‘I know the extraordinary, skilled and compassionate work that nurses in social care already do – and now we’re backing them with funding for advanced training and a qualification.
‘Our neighbourhood health service, as part of our 10 Year Health Plan, will meet and treat people where they are, on their doorstep or even in their home – taking the burden off under-pressure hospitals.
‘And funding these qualifications highlights the critical role social care nurses will play in this major shift in care out of hospital, as we build an NHS fit for the future.’
Nurses involved in the pilot will be trained to prescribe medications for people with a range of conditions, including cardiovascular disease, infections and end of life care.
If successful, the pilot, which is part of the government’s 10-year health plan, could see more social care nurses be routinely offered prescribing training to help in the delivery of neighbourhood health services.
ICBs have been asked to apply for funding for the pilot through an Expression of Interest.
The chief nurse for adult social care in England, Professor Deborah Sturdy, said the pilot was a ‘crucial step’ for the profession.
‘By giving them the tools to prescribe, we’re recognising their clinical expertise and opening up new pathways for progression,’ she said.
‘It’s about building a more skilled, confident workforce with a greater voice in how care is delivered — and ensuring nursing in social care is seen as a modern, rewarding, and valued career choice.’
A version of this story was first published on our sister title Nursing in Practice.
