Paramedics could be given power to issue medicine

Paramedics could be given the power to prescribe medication in a bid to reduce thousands of unnecessary hospital visits and free up GPs, it is reported.

Proposals were last suggested two years ago to give certain paramedics who have undergone advanced training the ability to prescribe independently.

The Daily Telegraph reported the issue is currently under consideration again by the Commission of Human Medicines, and is expected to find in favour of the changes.

Around two-thirds of 999 calls involve conditions which need urgent attention but are not life-threatening, the paper said.

But current legal restrictions mean patients are routinely referred to hospitals or forced to wait for a GP visit before they can access their medication.

A pilot scheme in Lancashire found paramedics could deal with two thirds of the home visits they were sent on, liaising with GPs about the remainder of the cases, with just 10 per cent brought to hospital.

Simon Stevens, NHS chief executive, said: “Paramedics, clinical pharmacists and mental health therapists can help GPs offer longer appointments for their patients who most need them.

"This is another practical example of how the NHS is going full speed ahead with new and better ways of looking after people.”