NHS pharmacy plan
A curb on doctor dispensing?
From Mr G. Bird, MRPharmS
SIR,—Lord Hunt’s announcement of the pharmacy plan (PJ, September
16, p384) is good
news for National Health Service patients attending pharmacies but offers nothing
for NHS patients of dispensing doctors. They have:
- No pharmacy referrals from NHS Direct
- No free sources of pharmacy advice on side effects and proper use of medicines
- No independent check on dosages and directions
- No benefit from electronic prescribing
- No pharmacy advice on minor ailments
- No chance to purchase from the range of medicines available only from pharmacies.
Is it not time for the Government to put a curb on doctor dispensing?
Gordon Bird Welwyn Garden City