From Mrs L. Mirelman, MRPharmS
SIR,—I write with regard to the letter about "substandard" locums and dispensing proprietary medicines instead of generics and parallel imports (PJ, September 4, p349). I work part-time for a large concern and occasionally do locums for people that I know. I work with regular staff and in well organised pharmacies where at a glance I can see where all the medicines are placed. I am also well informed as to what ordering systems they use for which types of drugs.
However, despite all of this, if I have a customer that requires all his medication at one time, I will dispense what I have enough of. This customer will now be satisfied and return.
I do suggest if people require locums that they leave their pharmacies well organised with plenty of information and not assume that because the pharmacist is a locum, that they can adapt immediately to any new environment.
Lindsay Mirelman
Edgware