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Letters to the Editor
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Retention fee
I had hoped to die as a pharmacist
From Rev D. Postles, MRPharmS
On 7 December I returned my retention fee form and indicated my intention
to retire from the Register. I have done this with great regret after
53 years on the Register and a feeling not so much of retirement, but
of having been “dumped”. The reasons for this decision are
twofold.
First, the withdrawal of the retired members fee, which I have paid for
the past 10 years, meant a 220 per cent fee increase to £46. This
is more than the whole annual increase in my state pension for next year
and with falling pension income it is just not possible to pay.
Secondly, the limitations placed on non-practising members by the retention
form declaration seem unthinking, ludicrous and draconian. Unthinking,
because they ignore the expertise and experience of many retired pharmacists
more highly qualified and distinguished than me. Ludicrous, because in
this age of the internet my lay friends can download masses of information,
but I cannot express an opinion on it to them. Draconian, because if
I tell my friend with stomach pains to stop taking aspirin and see his
GP, I would risk “action by the Society commensurate with circumstances”.
At least, as retired, I will have the same rights as the till operator
in a supermarket or discount store with regard to advice.
I am proud to have been a pharmacist, especially in the early days in
NHS hospitals. The pay was poor, but morale was high and the commitment
was terrific. I wish the Royal Pharmaceutical Society well for the future,
but cannot feel it is still the caring one I joined in 1951. Having lived
as a pharmacist for so long I had hoped to die as one. However, the church
will still let me put “Rev” in front of my name and my university “MA” after
it, even if the Society will not let me call myself a pharmacist.
Donald Postles
Abergele,
Clwyd
Who has resigned from the Register?
From Mr M. D. Mochan, MRPharmS
Having recently resigned my membership of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society
I would ask that the Council, when the information becomes available,
publishes the numbers of all former categories of pharmacists who have
chosen to do likewise.
Murray D. Mochan
Nelson,
New Zealand
Care of the elderly pharmacist
From Mr R. C. Miles, MRPharmS
I was intrigued and delighted by the advertisement for a “care
of the elderly pharmacist” (PJ, 27 November, pA20) placed by the
United Bristol Healthcare Trust. As I am now in my seventh decade, do
I qualify for such care, and would I have to move down to Bristol to
receive it or is the care given at national level? Having been retired
for over 10 years I applaud such consideration from the NHS.
Also, is being a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society a prerequisite
of such benevolence, because I am sure that after January 2005 the membership
of “elderly pharmacists” will go into a steep decline following
the increase in fees?
Roy Miles
Cranleigh,
Surrey
Eat his cake and keep it
From Mr D. A. Canniford, MRPharmS
I must bring to David
Carr’s attention (PJ, 4 December, p816)
that he can eat his cake and keep it. I have also been on the Register
for about 55 years but retired 12 years ago and I have just been advised
that we can get “unrestricted access” to the PJ by going
to www.pjonline.com and downloading the latest PJ every Saturday morning.
We can now resign from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, save our money
to buy food, etc, in our old age but still keep up to date with all the
developments in the health scene.
Dennis Canniford
Co Carlow, Ireland
A cost saving exercise?
From Mr A. Plumridge, MRPharmS
As a local branch secretary I regularly receive copies of letters congratulating
members who have been on the Register for 50, 60 and even 70 years. If
these members decide that it is not worth paying the non-practising fee
and therefore leave the Register, these letters of recognition will become
rarer or may even cease.
Congratulations to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society on another cost saving
exercise!
Adam Plumridge
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
A return to Christmas past
From Mr M. C. Motion, MRPharmS
After seeing our President’s smiling face in The Journal paying
his retention fee online (PJ, 4 December, p833) it was with eager anticipation
that I heard the crisp white envelope fall gently through the letter
box.
Like Christmas come early, not only could I pay online, I could pay with
American Express, according to the form. No weeks of waiting for a receipt.
In the old days you had to ask for one. An e-mail would confirm payment
straightaway. But lo! My illusions are shattered: there is no Amex logo
on the website to pay with.
Has the Grinch been at work? A quick call to the North Pole to find out
what is going on. One of Santa’s little helpers comes clean. Santa’s
elves made a mistake and forgot to check the label. There is clearly
a lack of continuing education or an absence of operating procedures
at the North Pole. Just when we thought retention fee payment had moved
into the 21st century, it was just a vision of Christmas future and,
as I reach for my quill and ink to scribe my cheque, I feel a return
to Christmas past.
Felicitations and good tidings to you all!
Mike Motion
Wantage, Oxfordshire
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The Society intended to offer the American Express payment option
but a commercial agreement was not reached. Payment can be made
by other major credit and debit cards.
— EDITOR
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This is my swan song
From Mr A. L. Bartlett, MRPharmS
I am 87 years old, have been on the register for 63 years, retired for
22 years, and still open the PJ with enthusiasm every Friday when it arrives.
Why? All I read are the letters and the deaths. But what do I see now,
on pA30 of the issue of 6 November under the “Market square” heading
? An advertisement for “car registrations”. Blow me down! What
is mine worth—
LBS 12P?
Sadly, I think the new retention fee for retired pharmacists next year
is a rip off, so this is my swan song. And a Merry Christmas to you all!
Les Bartlett
Southampton |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal