Independent prescribing rights will be granted to registered podiatrists who undertake newly approved educational courses, which will commence in 2014. These will be university based courses with both taught and practical training. Upon successful completion, Podiatrists will will have their entry on the Health ans Care Professions Council (HCPC) register annotated to indicate that they are able to independently prescribe.
Mathew Fitzpatrick, Vice-Dean of Podiatric Medicine, was quoted as saying,”The new legislation will particularly benefit people with Diabetic infections of the feet, acute infections such as wounds and ingrowing toenails, rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis of the foot and ankle and dermatological conditions of the feet, such as fungal infections. These patients, if required, will now be able to receive medicines more promptly.”
Joanna Brown, SCP Chief Executive, added, “providing independent prescribing rights to health care professionals such as Podiatrists will provide patients with more prompt and better access to treatment. It also helps to reduce the pressure on other health care professionals.
