From Mr E. W. Jenkins, FRPharmS
SIR,—It was surprising that my letter about hospital pharmacy, under the heading "Debatable change" caused such a furore (PJ, May 29, p778). It was not intended as an attack on the present system. Having had the experience of being involved with a million or more hospital outpatient prescriptions over the years, the intention was to give a gentle reminder that patients can be upset should there be long delays with the supply of their medicines. The letter was based on fact which can be supplied to those in doubt. It is sad that senior staff such as the national recruitment co-ordinator and others could only give enigmatic academic excuses for the delays. Why not a time related statement of each step now required to dispense a prescription. It would appear that the cost of having a hospital prescription dispensed is now more expensive than a consultation with a consultant.
It is pleasing to learn that pharmacists are involved with clinics for coagulation time checks and rheumatology. But overall responsibility for prescribing is still legally the doctor's province. Why not raise legalities with medical associations nationally and obtain a real answer to this important question?
Edwin Willard Jenkins
Southampton