From Mr M. J. Galloway, MRPharmS
SIR,—I have to say that I find the letter from Brian Stroh (PJ, January 8, p55) a little puzzling. I totally agree that it is not the pharmacist's job to diagnose but prescribing is another issue entirely. I would argue that Mr Stroh, in his busy community pharmacy, "prescribes" every day of his working life because many over-the-counter sales require the pharmacist to make a decision on what is best for that patient after considering the symptoms they present with.
Surely this is exactly what a doctor, or nurse, does within the confines of the surgery, albeit for more serious conditions in many cases. Indeed, some may consider that the pharmacist is diagnosing in this situation because to sell a potent OTC product requires a high degree of confidence that the patient has been sold an appropriate medicine.
Our profession is very well placed to take on the prescribing role just as nurses are now doing. If Mr Stroh does not want to use his skills to this end then that is his decision but he should not criticise others who do. As we look for a new future for pharmacy, attitudes like this will only fuel the notion of division within the profession and put back the day when we are truly recognised as partners with our colleagues in the health care team.
Mark Galloway
Coventry