From Mr P. Denham
SIR,-I read with interest the article (PJ, July 8, p45) stating that the Community Pharmacy of the Year award recognises excellent service and that customers make the nominations.
I would like to point out that the person who nominated Dines Green Pharmacy, Colin Layland, is an employee of this pharmacy; he delivers to pharmacy customers. His wife, Margaret Layland, is also employed by this pharmacy as a pharmacy assistant. If there were no other nominations from customers, perhaps this award ought to be reviewed.
Paul Denham
Worcester
Ms HELEN LEIGHTON (director of OTC marketing, SB Consumer Healthcare) replies: Mr Colin Layland's entry was one of four entries submitted for Dines Green Pharmacy, which was subsequently awarded the 1999 Community Pharmacy of the Year award for the Midlands area and was also the overall national winner.
The competition was judged by an independent panel and Mr Layland's nomination was selected, based on the award's criteria of helpfulness of advice given by the pharmacy, customer service and added value service above and beyond the call of duty.
Mr Layland made the nomination in September, 1999, in his capacity as the chairman of the Green Community Centre. Entries closed on December 31, 1999, and winning nominators were informed via mail in April. At this time it was brought to the attention of Smithkline Beecham (sponsors of the award) that Mr Layland began working at Dines Green Pharmacy as a volunteer driver in January, 2000. He took on the role permanently in February when it became apparent that the original driver would not be able to resume those particular duties.
It is clear, however, that Mr Layland should not have submitted a nomination as his wife was an employee of the pharmacy at the time.
Mr Layland has requested that a cash equivalent for his prize be made as a donation to the Green Community Centre, where he is still chairman, and we feel in these circumstances this is entirely appropriate.