Hato Hone St John is welcoming the Government’s decision to approve prescribing rights for appropriately qualified paramedics.
The move will allow trained paramedics, including extended care paramedics, to prescribe approved medicines in specific urgent, unplanned primary care and palliative care settings.
Hato Hone St John says the change could improve access to timely healthcare for patients who can be assessed, treated and supported in their homes and communities.
The new prescribing authority is expected to help reduce pressure on hospitals and emergency departments by giving paramedics more tools to manage suitable patients outside hospital.
Prescribing will be limited to a specified list of medicines approved by the Director-General of Health and supported by education, supervision, professional development and clinical governance safeguards.
Hato Hone St John says the decision recognises the growing role paramedics play across Aotearoa’s health system, particularly for people in rural and remote communities where access to timely care can be limited.
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