From Mr R. I. Dunkley, MRPharmS
SIR,—A while ago you were kind enough to run a news item featuring the
conditions of my hands with regard to the new green prescription forms (PJ,
September 25, 1999, p473). A number
of other pharmacists, dispensers and others handling the forms contacted me
to say that they were similarly affected.
I engaged the services of a firm of solicitors, on a “no win, no fee”
basis (PJ, December 18/25, 1999, p971), and they sent me to a consultant dermatologist
who has since performed sensitivity patch tests on my back to decide once and
for all whether I was indeed sensitive to the chemicals used in the manufacture
of the new forms. I have to tell your readers that the tests proved negative.
I am not sensitive to any of the chemicals used in the manufacture of the paper,
or the inks.
However, the matter does not end there — I am still being contacted by
pharmacists who are afflicted with a strange condition on their hands that causes
splitting and bleeding, and it is to these and any other pharmacists that have
contacted me that this letter is directed.
I would urge them to do as I did and retain a solicitor who will send them to
a dermatologist to perform sensitivity tests. Even the Prescription Pricing
Authority has taken action in this, retaining the services of an environmental
health specialist to investigate the skin conditions in some of the pricing
bureaux.
Bob Dunkley
Dewsbury, Leeds