GREATER powers to enable specially-trained nurses and pharmacists prescribe medication have been successfully adopted, according to researchers from Keele University.

They found widespread acceptance of the new powers among patients and that prescribing practices were safe and appropriate.

The move was introduced to take pressure off GPs and hospital doctors and give them more time to treat other patients.

The research, carried out in conjunction with Southampton University, also discovered most patients did not mind whether they received care from a nurse, pharmacist or a doctor.

The Department of Health-funded study, published yesterday, is the first evaluation of nurse and chemists independent prescribing since it was approved five years ago.

Alison Blenkinsopp, professor of the Practice of Pharmacy at Keele University, said: "Our research shows that nurse and pharmacist independent prescribers are now making a substantial contribution to patient care which is safe and of good quality.

"Commissioners of healthcare can use our findings to make the most effective use of nurse and pharmacist prescribing when they are purchasing commissioning services."

The initiative was viewed by some as controversial when it was introduced in 2006.