Menu
14/04/2004
Nurses to prescribe more medicines under government plans
Patients who need medicines in an emergency will be treated more quickly under plans to expand nurse prescribing powers, it has been announced today.
The new proposals would mean that nurses could prescribe medicines used to treat life-threatening conditions like blood clots, deep vein thrombosis and meningitis. This would also help to relieve the burden on accident and emergency staff, the health department said.
The plan is part of a drive to make better use of nurses' skills and to make it easier for patients to get access to the medicines they need. Nurses can already prescribe more than 180 medicines, and the government proposes to add at least 60 more to treat a wider range of medical conditions.
Health Minister John Hutton said that extending nurse prescribing was an "important part" of modernising the NHS.
"By breaking down traditional prescribing roles, patients can more easily access the treatment they need and are able to more fully benefit from the NHS' highly skilled workforce. Today's proposals will particularly improve emergency care for patients and help to relieve the burden on staff working in A&E," he said.
The government is consulting on the proposals and details are available from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
(gmcg)
The new proposals would mean that nurses could prescribe medicines used to treat life-threatening conditions like blood clots, deep vein thrombosis and meningitis. This would also help to relieve the burden on accident and emergency staff, the health department said.
The plan is part of a drive to make better use of nurses' skills and to make it easier for patients to get access to the medicines they need. Nurses can already prescribe more than 180 medicines, and the government proposes to add at least 60 more to treat a wider range of medical conditions.
Health Minister John Hutton said that extending nurse prescribing was an "important part" of modernising the NHS.
"By breaking down traditional prescribing roles, patients can more easily access the treatment they need and are able to more fully benefit from the NHS' highly skilled workforce. Today's proposals will particularly improve emergency care for patients and help to relieve the burden on staff working in A&E," he said.
The government is consulting on the proposals and details are available from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 May 2004
NHS staff to gain wider prescribing powers
Even more health professionals will be able to prescribe medicines under new plans announced today by Health Secretary, John Reid.
NHS staff to gain wider prescribing powers
Even more health professionals will be able to prescribe medicines under new plans announced today by Health Secretary, John Reid.
22 February 2012
GPs To 'Prescribe' Apps For Patients
People could soon be directed to free or cheap apps by their GPs to allow them to monitor and manage their health more effectively.
GPs To 'Prescribe' Apps For Patients
People could soon be directed to free or cheap apps by their GPs to allow them to monitor and manage their health more effectively.
24 May 2006
Herceptin granted UK license
Breast cancer drug Herceptin has been licensed for use in the early stages of the disease in the UK by the European Medicines Agency. The drug, which is already used in Britain to treat the later stages of breast cancer, will now be appraised by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence to see if it is safe and cost-effective.
Herceptin granted UK license
Breast cancer drug Herceptin has been licensed for use in the early stages of the disease in the UK by the European Medicines Agency. The drug, which is already used in Britain to treat the later stages of breast cancer, will now be appraised by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence to see if it is safe and cost-effective.
14 August 2014
30 Women Recalled For Breast Screening Over Doctor Concerns
Up to 30 women are to be recalled for breast cancer screenings after five patients treated by the same doctor developed the disease. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust has identified the group of 30 women from a total of 626 that were seen between 2011 and 2014. It is understood that the women need "urgent appointments" for reassessment.
30 Women Recalled For Breast Screening Over Doctor Concerns
Up to 30 women are to be recalled for breast cancer screenings after five patients treated by the same doctor developed the disease. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust has identified the group of 30 women from a total of 626 that were seen between 2011 and 2014. It is understood that the women need "urgent appointments" for reassessment.
20 February 2004
NHS to prescribe maggots to sterilise infected wounds
It may sound like medicine more suited to a Dark Age apothecary, but GP's in Wales will today begin prescribing maggots as the best treatment for all types of infected and necrotic wounds. Following successful pilot programmes, the common maggot was found to sterilise wounds by removing dead tissue from the infected area.
NHS to prescribe maggots to sterilise infected wounds
It may sound like medicine more suited to a Dark Age apothecary, but GP's in Wales will today begin prescribing maggots as the best treatment for all types of infected and necrotic wounds. Following successful pilot programmes, the common maggot was found to sterilise wounds by removing dead tissue from the infected area.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
