The SoR and AHP organisations are calling on the UK government to enable them to prescribe medication to their patients directly, when needed.
Allowing more AHPs, such as diagnostic radiographers, speech and language therapists, dietitians, orthoptists, and occupational therapists, to prescribe medication would ensure people get the medication they need without having to seek assistance from another healthcare professional.
With the NHS struggling under the weight of ever-increasing waiting lists, this simple change would reduce barriers for patients and relieve pressure on clinical staff, say the six professional bodies.
The SoR, the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, the British Dietetic Association, the British and Irish Orthoptic Society, and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, with the support of the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists, have written to the Secretary of State for health and social care asking for prescribing responsibilities to be extended.
"Significant difference"
SoR CEO Richard Evans said: “Allowing allied health professionals with training to prescribe as part of their practice will make a significant difference to the efficiency and effectiveness of patient care.
"It has been known for years that regulated health professionals other than doctors and pharmacists are capable and can operate safely as qualified prescribers. It is long overdue that the hard-pressed health service is enabled to benefit through extending these rights.
"In radiography, we have seen enormous patient care improvements in the field of cancer therapy. We know that diagnostic radiographers are ideally placed to bring similar improvements to even more patients.”
