From Ms S. Roberts, MRPharmS
SIR,-I am in complete agreement with the points made by Dr Ghalamkari and Dr Jenkins with respect to Jack Dee's comments on community pharmacy (PJ, April 22, p620). However, it seems that the Society veers more towards Mr Dee's views.
I have today received a pack from the Pharmacy Healthcare Scheme on promoting my role in preventing falls in elderly people. Included in this pack is a poster for display depicting a "pharmacist" wearing an old cardigan and a trailing scarf which looks like it is about to get caught in the till and would surely be a health risk during any dispensing procedures. She is shown behind the counter surrounded by films, electrical goods and sunglasses - not a pharmaceutical product in sight. Is this really the image we want to promote?
I am very reluctant to display this poster, although I am keen to promote the message it is supposed to be giving.
Sarah Roberts
Wareham, Dorset
Ms MIRIAM ARMSTRONG (project manager, Pharmacy Healthcare Scheme, Royal Pharmaceutical Society) replies: The PHS was delighted to work with the Health Education Authority and the Departments of Health (DoH) and Trade and Industry (DTI) on producing the pack on how pharmacists can help prevent falls in older people.
The pharmacist's role in improving the health of older people is becoming increasingly important as this group is more likely to access the pharmacy specifically for health advice and less likely to use new routes of information such as NHS Direct. In recognition of this a second campaign with the DoH and DTI is planned for later this year to help improve stair safety.
With regard to the subject of improving safety I have noted the concern that the pharmacist in the poster "Do your medicines ever make you feel dizzy?" is wearing a scarf that might be considered a health risk in some circumstances, eg, dispensing. While I accept that trailing or dangling scarves, ties, or jewellery might pose a minimal risk, I should mention that this particular individual was chosen for her excellent communication skills and that the intention to portray the pharmacist as a convenient and well-informed health professional was successful. As most pharmacists now choose not to wear white coats in favour of a more approachable look there naturally will be more scope for discussion about appropriate clothing. This is a matter for individual pharmacists or managers.
I look forward to promoting the stairs safety campaign with pharmacists later this year and receiving further feedback from pharmacists on its content and display materials.