It aims to help reduce waiting times for medication and free up GP appointments for those who need them most.
In the first phase, physiotherapists working with patients who have Lymphoedema, can prescribe medication or garments where appropriate, for example, if the prescription is needed urgently or if the items are complex.
It is planned to extend the service in the new year, to include Orthopaedic ICATS and also Community Respiratory Physiotherapy, which could potentially support recovering Covid-19 patients when discharged from hospital.
Carmel Harney Assistant Director, for Allied Health Professions at the Southern Trust explains, “With around one-third of GP appointments relating to physiotherapy issues, there are huge benefits for the profession working more closely with primary care colleagues.