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Written question asked by Andrew Lewin (Labour) on Monday, 19 May 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 21 May 2025. It was answered by Karin Smyth (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 May 2025 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Ambulance Services: Analgesics

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of allowing paramedics to (a) carry and (b) use fentanyl as an analgesic agent.

Answer

The Department remains committed to exploring the extension of medicine responsibilities for non-medical professionals. This will support the aim that patients are cared for, and treated by, the most appropriate healthcare professional to meet their needs, where it is safe and appropriate to do so. Many regulated healthcare professionals have already received extended medicine responsibilities and the Department is committed to assessing the impact that these changes have had on patient care.

Regarding the extension of paramedics’ medicine responsibilities, there is a process in place for making changes to ensure proposals are safe and beneficial for patients. Officials are carefully considering proposals relating to a range of healthcare professionals, including paramedics, and the use of fentanyl as an analgesic agent, as part of wider work.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
53264
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Ambulance services Analgesics Fentanyl
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk