Organisation: Government / NHS

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Analysis and commentary by Echo Research.

The British Medical Association provided quickfire comdemnation to the news that Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt intended to extend prescription rights to suitably trained nurses and pharmacists from spring 2006. "Wider prescribing by nurses is too risky, say doctors"(Telegraph, 11/11). However, despite the BMA being "out of the blocks with lightning speed"(Press & Journal, 11/11), and openly damming of the Government's proposals "This is an irresponsible and dangerous move. Patients will suffer"(Dr Paul Miller - BMA, Times, 11/11), little could dampen the enthusiastic response from nursing and pharmaceutical groups.

David Pruce, of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society described the proposals as a "significant milestone"(bbc.co.uk, 10/11), while Beverly Malone of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) asserted that "the Government must be applauded for taking this step"(Times, 11/11).

While Ms Hewitt spoke generically of the "modernisaton"of the health service and steps towards the creation of a "truly patient-led NHS"(SourceUK.net, 11/11), nursing organisations addressed the safety concerns raised by the BMA over inadequate training and lack of diagnostic expertise . "This is not about being doctors. It is about being a maxi-nurse, not a mini-doctor and providing the bast care for the patient"assured Matt Griffiths, Prescribing Officer for the RCN (Guardian, 10/11).