Non-medical prescribing nurses in primary care: a positive response to restructuring

Abstract

This article examines a shared care model used in a primary care alcohol and drugs service, with experienced clinical staff trained as non-medical prescribing nurses. Shared care based around the resource of the non-medical prescribing nurse situated in primary care can be a solution in a time of scare resources. Non-medical prescribing is illustrated further by a patient case study in a London borough to show its potential for treating patients. There needs to be good governance and supervision of this role to be effective and safe for patients, and this article discusses how this can be achieved by detailing a safe process.