The Pharmaceutical Journal Vol 264 No 7086 p357
March 4, 2000 News

Extended role for A&E nurses

Casualty nurses are to be given an extended role, including selecting and issuing medicines to patients and being allowed to order X-rays and other tests (our Lobby correspondent writes).
Speaking at the opening of St Thomas's hospital's remodelled accident and emergency department in London on February 29, the Prime Minister (Mr Tony Blair) said that a Department of Health report, which was to be published within the next two months, would lead to a revolution in casualty care.
"We have to address the frustration that people feel when they come and wait for hours to be seen in casualty in what, if we are honest, have all too often been crowded, chaotic conditions," Mr Blair said.
He said that the Department's modernisation team would urge a "big overhaul" of how A&E facilities operated.
Mr Blair explained that the report would recommend:

• Giving appropriately trained nurses greater powers to order X-rays, blood tests and other diagnostic procedures, to interpret the results, give medication and to discharge patients;
• Separating the treatment of minor injuries and illnesses from major injuries and conditions, using NHS Direct assessment procedures; and
• Fast-tracking patients direct to the appropriate specialty, training and empowering physiotherapists, radiographers and paramedics to take on extended roles, and focussing consultants on complex cases.

Pointing out that modernisation and investment went together, Mr Blair said: "We do not want a lottery of care depending on how efficient your local hospital is. All patients, wherever they live, are entitled to prompt, convenient, quality care when they need it."