From Mr K. R. Rutter, MRPharmS
SIR,-The April edition of Dispensing Doctor contains an interesting item of information which deserves a wider audience.
It would appear that dispensing doctors have negotiated a fee of 7p per item for the additional work associated with checking the validity of patient declarations on the back of prescription forms. This seems a much more realistic fee than the derisory 2p per item negotiated by the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee, and I think that both the Department of Health and the PSNC should explain why pharmacists should perform this onerous task at such a large discount to the fees paid to dispensing doctors. I seem to recall that the PSNC was adamant that the two professions should be treated equally when introducing procedures to reduce fraud in the National Health Service.
Richard Rutter
Harrogate, North Yorkshire