Physiotherapists and podiatrists will be able to independently prescribe medication as of next year.
From next summer patients will no longer have to go back to general practice to get prescriptions, freeing up time for GPs.
Government figures show that 15 million people are currently living with a long-term condition which requires numerous trips to clinicians.
Physiotherapists and podiatrists will be able to independently prescribe medication as of next year.
From next summer patients will no longer have to go back to general practice to get prescriptions, freeing up time for GPs.
Government figures show that 15 million people are currently living with a long-term condition which requires numerous trips to clinicians.
The Department of Health believes this scheme could allow patients to be treated closer to home in a timely manner, enabling them to better manage their condition.
Podiatrists who treat patients with a wide range of conditions, including diabetic foot ulcers and arthritic disorders in the foot and ankle would be able to prescribe medication.
Physiotherapists would be able to prescribe medicines for symptoms such as pain and inflammation.
Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb said: “This change will not only benefit patients by making it more convenient to get treatment but it will also free up valuable GP time.
“Physiotherapists and podiatrists are highly skilled professionals and these changes will allow them to give better care to the millions of people with acute and long-term conditions.”
However, not all physiotherapists and podiatrists will be eligible to prescribe medications.
Advanced practitioners will have to complete a training course approved by the Health and Care Professions Council and will only be able to prescribe medicines relevant to their role.
Phil Gray, chief executive of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, said: "Physiotherapists being able to independently prescribe – for the first
time anywhere in the world – will remove bureaucracy, free up time for
doctors and save money for the NHS.
"But the most important impact of this new responsibility will be seen in the quality of care patients receive. It is good news for patients and an important step forward for the
NHS.”
