Pharmacists 'to be given right to prescribe so GPs have more time with patients'

Pharmacists will be allowed to write prescriptions under plans reportedly being considered by England's Health Secretary Sajid Javid.

Mr Javid last month vowed the Government will "do a lot more" to ensure GPs see more patients face-to-face following complaints from the public.

The proposals would see more prescriptions provided through pharmacies and hospitals for routine illnesses to allow doctors more time to see patients in person, according to The Sunday Times.

GPs will also reportedly be able to pass off bureaucratic processes such as providing supporting medical evidence to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) over a patient's fitness to drive.

The plans are expected to include sanctions for doctors who do not increase the number of face-to-face appointments with patients, the paper added.

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Source: 11 October 2021, Medscape