The British Medical Association has today published a new model of how doctors and nurses in the NHS might provide better care for patients.

In a discussion document, the association says that the skills of nurses would be used to their full potential by co-ordinating the care around a patient, while doctors would concentrate on the areas where their skills can be best used. Doctors would no longer be seen as the sole "gatekeepers" to the care that NHS provides.

Forum Response: Royal College of Nursing

Dr Beverly Malone, general secretary, of the Royal College of Nursing, told ePolitix.com: "This is an imaginative and constructive discussion document which clearly acknowledges how well doctors, nurses and others on the health care team can work together to deliver the best patient care. Nurses are keen to look at ways of breaking down traditional barriers and look at creative ways of working to improve care.

"The RCN has long argued that nurses are competent to deal with the wide range of ailments, illnesses and minor injuries that patients have. Nurses are already assessing and treating patients and also referring patients on to other sources of advice, treatment or care, should this be in their best interest.

"Nurses see wider prescribing rights as one straightforward way to maximize their potential - bringing care more quickly and effectively to their patients. Nurses are wholly committed to working in close partnership with their colleagues throughout the health service - they recognise that this is the only way to deliver the goals and aspirations of the NHS Plan."