Now drugs not just from GPs
BRITAIN will be the first country to let physiotherapists and podiatrists prescribe drugs after new laws come into force today.
Trained practitioners will soon be able to prescribe medication such as painkillers and anti-inflammatories.
They will no longer have to refer patients to another healthcare worker, such as a GP, if the drugs are needed.
Experts say the move gives GPs more time and speeds up the experience for patients, who begin to benefit from next summer after the first group of practitioners have passed a course to write prescriptions.
Podiatrists, who treat disorders of the foot, ankle and lower leg, will be able to issue drugs to diabetics with ulcers and people with ingrown toenails and fungal infections.
Care Minister Norman Lamb said: “Physiotherapists and podiatrists are highly skilled professionals and these changes will allow them to give better care.” He added: “We’re showing the world that the NHS is at the forefront of healthcare.”