From Mr I. C. Strachan, MRPharmS
SIR,-From November, 1999, the scheme to extend the reporting of adverse drug reactions was granted to community pharmacists.
This privilege represents a valuable opportunity to enforce our role highlighting our worth and encouraging dialogue with patients.
I have spoken on many occasions about the need to engage patients at every opportunity, imparting our knowledge and expertise wherever possible. The yellow card system represents a chance for pharmacists to make their contribution, but also to feature more prominently in patient care.
To ignore this would be to deny ourselves an opportunity. Surely our comments are equally as valuable as those derived from other medical staff, including doctors and dentists.
I would encourage therefore all pharmacists to make the most of this facility, especially with the newer ("black triangle") drugs, and submit yellow cards whenever applicable.
Ian Strachan
Bury, Lancashire