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Written question asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Monday, 23 February 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Paramedical Staff: Regulation

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government whether ambulance paramedics are regulated to undertake or supervise procedures, including routine catheterisation and infusion, while waiting with patients for hospital admission.

Answer

Ambulance paramedics are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), but the HCPC does not set a national list of procedures such as catheterisation or infusion. Paramedics are highly trained and competent professionals who may routinely and autonomously carry out procedures such as cannulation in the field.

However, while waiting for hospital admission, whether paramedics are able to undertake or supervise these procedures depends on a number of factors, such as local policies and clinical governance frameworks.

The Government expects all system partners to work together to provide robust protection measures, including handover protocols, to ensure patients are cared for in the right place, at the right time.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL14480
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Admissions Hospitals Paramedical staff Regulation
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk