From Mr R. Bicknell, MRPharmS
SIR,-As an ex-proprietor I fully endorse the letter of Mr J. Glassman supporting pharmacist prescribing (PJ, May 13, p727). I could have written the letter myself. Indeed, I made such suggestions to my Member of Parliament some seven to eight years ago.
I would like to add a couple of comments, however. First, the public have a right to see a general practitioner if they so wish. I am sure Mr Glassman would not wish to deny them that right. If, however, an individual or a family is happy for their pharmacist to prescribe for what they perceive to be minor ailments, then they should have to "register" with the pharmacy of their choice. Having registered they would be obliged to obtain medicines from that pharmacy whenever possible. On the occasions when this is not possible then they would be obliged to inform the pharmacy of the items prescribed. If a pharmacist is to be responsible for prescribing on the National Health Service, he or she must be in possession of the full picture. Patient registration is the only option.
In so doing, GPs' surgeries in deprived areas would not be choked with patients seeking prescriptions for Calpol, codeine linctus, ephedrine nose drops and the like. GPs could concentrate on more serious issues and pharmacists could enjoy greater public appreciation, professionalism and remuneration.
Richard Bicknell
Saltash, Cornwall