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06/10/2003
Quicker access to emergency drugs could 'speed up' treatment
Patients could receive common medicines without a doctor's prescription so as to speed up treatment, under proposals outlined today.
The government has announced the establishment of 18 new national Patient Group Directions (PGD) which, it is hoped, will promote "speedier care for patients needing emergency treatment".
The PGDs will remove limitations placed on medical professionals in supplying and administering medications, and will explain to nurses, paramedics, physiotherapists and pharmacists how they can make more use of extended powers that were given to them in 2000.
The 18 new patient group direction (PGD) templates will allow healthcare professionals to administer common emergency medicines without the presence of a doctor. Extending the range of medicines emergency care staff can provide will help give patients faster treatment and more choice over who treats them and where they are treated, the government said.
Health Minister Rosie Winterton said: "Patient Group Directions enable patients to receive the medications they need without a prescription from a doctor. They allow appropriately trained and competent healthcare staff to supply and administer specific medications without the need for a prescription from a doctor.
"This is good news for patients… It is good news for healthcare professionals, including nurses, paramedics, pharmacists and physiotherapists because it enables them to complete the care of patients. They can use their knowledge and expertise to provide effective and timely care."
(gcmg)
The government has announced the establishment of 18 new national Patient Group Directions (PGD) which, it is hoped, will promote "speedier care for patients needing emergency treatment".
The PGDs will remove limitations placed on medical professionals in supplying and administering medications, and will explain to nurses, paramedics, physiotherapists and pharmacists how they can make more use of extended powers that were given to them in 2000.
The 18 new patient group direction (PGD) templates will allow healthcare professionals to administer common emergency medicines without the presence of a doctor. Extending the range of medicines emergency care staff can provide will help give patients faster treatment and more choice over who treats them and where they are treated, the government said.
Health Minister Rosie Winterton said: "Patient Group Directions enable patients to receive the medications they need without a prescription from a doctor. They allow appropriately trained and competent healthcare staff to supply and administer specific medications without the need for a prescription from a doctor.
"This is good news for patients… It is good news for healthcare professionals, including nurses, paramedics, pharmacists and physiotherapists because it enables them to complete the care of patients. They can use their knowledge and expertise to provide effective and timely care."
(gcmg)
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