The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 275 No 7364 p251
27 August 2005

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· Birdsgrove House (2)
· Pharmacy practice (2)
· Adverse events
· Child protection
· Emergency supplies
· Reciprocity
· Chloramphenicol
· Retention fees

Letters to the Editor

Birdsgrove House

Sadly missed

From Mr W. T. Brookes, FRPharmS

It was with much sadness that I read of the decision made by the Council of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society to close Birdsgrove House (PJ, 20 August, p220, 237). Sadness due to the loss of such a lovely asset, which has been a source of pleasure and recuperation for so many members. Sadness that the Council did not involve the membership in this decision or present it with any option. Sadness that this was possibly due to lack of support for its retention from members. And sadness because I, and many others, will no longer be able to enjoy this beautiful facility.

I would like to publicly thank Sue Smith and all the staff being made redundant for their care and kindness. The staff — and Birdsgrove House — will be sadly missed.

Bill Brookes
Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire

Moving with the times

From Mr J. D. Thomas, MRPharmS

On reading your comment and the news feature articles on the demise of Birdsgrove House (PJ, 20 August, p214 and p220), I was quite taken aback to realise that the former trustees had allowed a £17m asset to haemorrhage over £2m in losses over the past five years.

Convalescent services, ie, rest and recuperation, as provided by this excellent but somewhat remote facility, are a throw back to the care provided in the post-war era and not the 21st century. Modern-day services are individually designed for each patient as well as being closer to the homes and families. I am sure that funds from the sale of this asset, when properly invested, will be able to provide the most up-to-date treatment to all worthy applicants and as a result will cease to be a drain on the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s precious funds.

Thank goodness the newly elected trustees have moved with the times and have the strength of their convictions in considering the financial effects on the long-suffering, fee-paying membership.

David Thomas
Patshull, Shropshire

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