Those with physiotherapy jobs could soon be given prescribing rights, according to BBC News.

A consultation exercise being carried out by the Department of Health (DoH) is considering giving physios the same rights to prescribe medicines just as nurses and pharmacists can.

The idea proposed would see physiotherapists enabled to prescribe medicine for respiratory diseases, pain relief and neurological conditions. Currently, they can only prescribe when given written consent by a doctor.

The Chartered Institute of Physiotherapy (CIP) supports the suggestion, saying that it would improve patient care. Chair Anna Green told The Press Association that it represented "a major step forward."

"Though the proposed change will mean greater responsibilities and additional training to become independent prescribers, physiotherapists are well placed to take this on as they have already been 'supplementary prescribers' since 2001.

"The other big benefit," Ms Green continued, "is that the new rights will relieve a currently unnecessary burden on doctors who are simply asked to write a prescription for medication recommended by the physiotherapist."

The move would also offer patients "quicker and more direct access" to treatment and drugs, as physiotherapists are best placed to help them.

Following the consultation, a full government review will take place to determine whether there is sufficient support for the plans.