From Mr B. Frith, MRPharmS
SIR,-A letter (PJ, March 25, p468) started me brooding. In particular the sentence: "Such a scenario leaves me wondering what is left of the profession of pharmacy - reading a clearly printed, computer-generated prescription, selecting a pack and reading the instructions to the patient is hardly a professional role." And more in the same vein.
In general I agree with the author of that letter. I have sometimes wondered about my professional status. But what other occupation is obsessed with such self-flagellation? Can you imagine a dentist worrying that he only fixes teeth or a solicitor that he wastes his life involved with probate or whatever?
In the event, Friday became more interesting. Polly Toynbee wrote an article in the Guardian - "A good prognosis" - from which I quote: "Pharmacists are highly trained dispensers of lipstick and shampoo, their long training wasted in these days of prepacked medicines: they should have consulting rooms in chemist [sic] shops to do much GPs' work, especially contraception, giving out the morning after pill to anyone who wants it."
I understand that Polly Toynbee recently attended a Parliamentary Pharmacy Group function and is probably well disposed towards our profession. Public relations is not therefore wasted. Highly trained dispensers of lipstick is something of an overstatement. Although the work of a dispensing pharmacist is somewhat monotonous and not the most intellectual, a pharmacist nevertheless carries a heavy responsibility.
In conclusion, I would not say "no" to further roles, but let us not continue in this terrible soul-searching which can only be bad for our self-esteem.
Bob Frith
Chatham, Kent