New prescribing powers for podiatrists are a ‘significant milestone’

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Otherwise, we'll assume you're OK to continue. New laws allowing podiatrists to independently prescribe drugs to their patients are a significant milestone for the UK, according to a leading podiatry spokesperson and Durham University expert. The UK will become the first country in the world today (20 August) to allow specialist physiotherapists and podiatrists to prescribe medication to their patients. Judith Barbaro-Brown , a Teaching Fellow at Durham University's School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health and Senior Academic Adviser to the Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, said: "This is a world-leading initiative that has momentous benefits for patients. "It means patients can now benefit from faster, direct access to essential treatment, without needing to be referred to another health professional, shortening the timescale and preventing a worsening of their symptoms, and in some cases preventing hospital admission and even loss of limbs.