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Modernisation
The Register
Ramipril
Needle exchange
Letters to the Editor
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The Register
Why a dispensing register could solve problems
From Mr P. I. Herman, MRPharmS
It would seem to me sensible that the requirements for membership of
the Society should remain as they are; however, a “dispensing register” should
be created. Those members who wish to engage in National Health Service
dispensing — hospital, community or electronic — would undertake
to complete approved continuing professional development.
Those members who do not wish to dispense, for reasons of age, infirmity,
career breaks, etc, could remain as members of the Society and not lose
the valuable contributions they could make. In addition, members in the
academic, managerial and industrial side of the profession could retain
membership without incurring the costs in time and money of being on
the dispensing register.
The costs of maintaining and regulating the dispensing register should
be met one-third by the pharmacists registered and two-thirds by a premises
fee levied on all pharmacies registered with the Society. Since it is
the Government that is demanding changes to the Register, premises fees
should be fully reimbursed by the NHS and income to the Society from
other sources, such as publishing, could be used to keep non-dispensing
members’ fees down. Members on the dispensing register
would elect from their own ranks the members to serve on the regulatory
supervision body in broad accordance with Government requirements.
To sum up, I believe my proposals would be inclusive of the whole range
of pharmaceutical activities, retain members who have only a sentimental
attachment to the profession, or are in reduced circumstances, and allow
flexibility for those wishing to return to the dispensing register to
do so by simply undertaking the required CPD. Additionally, the costs
of regulation will be highlighted allowing for authoritative reimbursement
claims against the Government.
P. I. Herman
London W11
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