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Spain moves closer to allowing nurses and physiotherapists prescribe medicines
The proposed reforms would give nurses and physios in Spain powers previously reserved for doctors, dentists and podiatrists
We’re heading into August when the powers that be in Spain usually start winding down for the summer, but this week they seem determined to clear their desks first.
Hot on the heels of the proposed smoking ban on bar terraces, beaches and other public spaces, Spain's Council of Ministers has now approved another major reform that could change the way millions of people access healthcare.
Under a new medicines law, nurses and physiotherapists would be given the power to prescribe drugs within their own areas of expertise, something healthcare professionals have been calling for for years.
The reform still has to pass through parliament before becoming law, but if approved it would bring nurses and physios into line with dentists and podiatrists, who can already prescribe treatments linked to their specialist fields.
Supporters argue that the change simply reflects the reality of modern healthcare, where nurses and physiotherapists often play a much larger role in patient care than they did a few decades ago.
The government says detailed protocols would be developed to ensure doctors, nurses and physiotherapists work together and prescriptions are issued safely and appropriately.
For patients, the changes could mean quicker access to treatment and fewer appointments being needed just to obtain a prescription.
The government also wants to make it easier for vulnerable patients to receive medication without having to visit a pharmacy in person. Under the proposals, medicines could be delivered to people's homes in certain circumstances, such as when illness, disability, dependency or mobility problems make travelling difficult.
The legislation also includes changes designed to reduce costs for the public healthcare system. Patients would still be free to choose a more expensive brand-name medicine if they wish, but in some cases they could be asked to pay the difference if a cheaper state-funded alternative is available.
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Address
C.C Parque Almenara, Camino de Enmedio s/n., Diputacion del Campillo. 30813, Lorca, (Murcia)Tel: 968 46 37 37
Murcia’s second biggest centro comercial has more than just shopping – it’s everything you could want from a day out!
Parque Almenara is one of the largest retail and leisure malls in the Lorca and Águilas area, offering the full ‘all under one roof’ shopping experience, except it is open to the elements!
It has all your favourite brands and shops like Stradivarius and Mango, spread out over two easily accessed levels. There is also a Carrefour, plus larger retail units for electrical products and home and garden goods.
Unlike other shopping centres, Parque Almenara is a shopping mall where the stores are located in a network of streets, like a whole shopping village that covers almost 150,000m2, making it the second largest shopping centre in the Region of Murcia.One of the most striking features of Parque Almenara is its three canvas tents suspended 20 metres above the outdoor area, creating a shaded zone and an oasis of calm right in the middle of the mall.
As well as the opportunity for a day’s retail therapy, Parque Almenara also offers the makings of good night out. There is a 10-pin bowling alley with 20 lanes and an entertainment complex, plus a multiscreen cinema with ten screens showing the latest offerings from Hollywood and the best 3D movies, and even original version English-language films.And with no fewer than eight separate options to grab a bite to eat at the food court, you can stay at the Parque Almenara all day if you want to!
You can even take your dog along with you as pets are allowed into the mall, an animal-friendly place.
How to get there
Parque Almenara is located on the Lorca–Águilas road C-3211 at km 1.9. On a GPS, the coordinates to put in are: N 37º 63´ W -1º 69´
If you’re going by bus, there is a direct bus route that leaves from Apolonia.
