Prescriptions powers for Physiotherapists and Podiatrists

Posted 25/07/2012

Government ministers have agreed to a change in the law to allow Physiotherapists and Podiatrists to prescribe medication such as anti-inflammatories and painkillers without needing to go back to their GPs.

The proposed changes still have to be approved by parliament but it will be 2014 before we see the change in practice. Over the past 10 years, senior nurses have been given more responsibility with regards to prescribing medication and it has long been debated that other health professionals should also be given the rights to prescribe medication.

The Health Minister, Lord Howe, has said that by introducing the changes we will be making the best use of the heath professionals’ skills and will allow patients to benefit from a faster and more effective service.

Sharon Allison, a medical injury lawyer from Ashtons Legal says: “Whilst everyone wishes there to be an efficient service to patients, safety and communication must not be compromised in any way. One hopes that there will be the necessary investment of time and appropriate training before this initiative is rolled out.”