From Mr N. P. Simmons, MRPharmS
SIR,—Having just discovered the new copies of the British National Formulary in my office, it appears that despite our pleas that 132 copies is not sufficient for a 420 bed hospital with a community unit as part of the trust, the powers that be have again sent us 132 copies. This means that no junior doctor gets a personal copy and wards receive one copy for use by all staff.
We are told that the Department of Health has assessed the need and that there are enough copies purchased nationally to meet all requirements, but this does suggest that there could be "local variations". Indeed I hear rumours that this is the case.
If any department receives more BNFs than they need, they might offer some in our direction. I am sure it would be possible to find a means of moving them, even if I have to drive around the country collecting them myself!
Many thanks in anticipation.
Nigel Simmons
Chief Pharmacist, Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Huntingdon, (tel 01480 416143)