Society lobbies for independent prescribing in diagnostic radiography

The Society and partner organisations presented the case to the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM).

Published: 07 January 2022 SoR

Representatives from the Society, NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSEI), the Royal College of Radiographers and practising radiographers met with the CHM on 17th December. 

Suzanne Rastrick, Chief Allied Health Professions Officer NHSEI, led the delegation to present the case for diagnostic radiographers to train as independent prescribers.  

Suzanne Rastrick set the scene for a UK-wide need for change which was followed by a presentation from the SoR and questions from the CHM.

The presentation and questions focused on patient benefits for improved service access with a safe, well-governed approach to the development.  

'We hope that CHM will recommend that the legislation be changed to allow this development.  We must wait for the government to update the Human Medicines Regulations before diagnostic radiographers train as independent prescribers should we get a positive recommendation,' said a Society spokesperson.

'Thanks to the SoR members and NHSEI colleagues who contributed information and examples of where independent prescribing benefits patients and to the delegation who made a united and robust case for change.  As soon as we receive the feedback, we will share it with members.'

Further information on the legal mechanisms currently available for radiographers to supply and administer medicines is available here: Medicines Management | SoR