From Mr T. W. Mambwe, MRPharmS
SIR,—Kindly allow me to share my view about the letter on contract limitation from Mr Cumming (PJ, December 4, p899). It made a lot of economic sense from, undoubtedly, any established proprietor's point of view as it would, indeed, to someone working for the Treasury. In these modern times of consumer-driven economies, however, the high consumer expectations should also be taken into account and therefore "good service" should be part and parcel of pharmacy provision. From this viewpoint, "high prescription volume, low dispensing cost outlets" would tend to compromise the service provided and hence would not give the taxpayer value for money. This would obviously not apply to cases where outlets had sufficient manpower and other resources to meet the consumer demands - but what are these adequate provisions? Perhaps the Society should seek legislation or set recommendations on such aspects as minimum staffing levels in relation to a pharmacy's turnover, etc, in order for good provision of pharmaceutical services to the public. Alternatively, abolition of contract limitation could be used to increase competition, reduce average turnover of existing businesses and so result in pharmacies with average prescription turnovers. This coupled with the P to GSL switches would make pharmacists more available to perform other duties and so improve the service.
Thomas W. Mambwe
King's Lynn, Norfolk