Menu
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 September 2008
Scottish Government Pledges Cap On Surgery Waiting Times
Scottish patients may soon have a legal guarantee that they will wait no longer than 12 weeks for surgery. The Scottish Government's Patient Rights Bill proposes a strict limit on how long they have to wait from their surgical referral to receiving their operation.
Scottish Government Pledges Cap On Surgery Waiting Times
Scottish patients may soon have a legal guarantee that they will wait no longer than 12 weeks for surgery. The Scottish Government's Patient Rights Bill proposes a strict limit on how long they have to wait from their surgical referral to receiving their operation.
03 June 2011
Long Emergency Waiting Times Linked To Increased Risk
Long emergency department waiting times are associated with an increased risk of hospital admission or death within seven days among non-admitted patients, finds a study published on bmj.com.
Long Emergency Waiting Times Linked To Increased Risk
Long emergency department waiting times are associated with an increased risk of hospital admission or death within seven days among non-admitted patients, finds a study published on bmj.com.
21 February 2005
A&E waits shorter, but wards dirtier, say patients
Patients are experiencing shorter waits for emergency treatment and outpatient appointments, but believe hospitals are dirtier, the Healthcare Commission has found. Two major patient surveys of 140,000 patients, conducted by the Commission, also found that patients want more information regarding their treatment.
A&E waits shorter, but wards dirtier, say patients
Patients are experiencing shorter waits for emergency treatment and outpatient appointments, but believe hospitals are dirtier, the Healthcare Commission has found. Two major patient surveys of 140,000 patients, conducted by the Commission, also found that patients want more information regarding their treatment.
17 April 2009
Older Stroke Patients Get Poorer Treatment, Says BMJ
Older people are less likely to receive drug treatment after a stroke compared to younger people, despite the fact that treatment is equally effective. A study published on bmj.
Older Stroke Patients Get Poorer Treatment, Says BMJ
Older people are less likely to receive drug treatment after a stroke compared to younger people, despite the fact that treatment is equally effective. A study published on bmj.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Quite cloudy across all counties at first but a few late sunny spells most likely towards Down and Antrim. Clearer skes becoming more widespread later this evening and overnight. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
