The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 278 No 7455 p675
9 June 2007

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• White Paper (5)
• The profession (3)
• Tablets within capsules (2)
• Technicians (2)
• Supervision
• The Society

Letters to the Editor

Technicians

Needed to support pharmacy's infrastructure

From Mrs G. Robson, RegPharmTech

I write in support of Helen Knipe and her letter regarding the opinion of A. Matalia (PJ, 26 May, p608). As a registered practising technician I agree wholeheartedly with her. In my current role I am responsible for the day-to-day management of pharmacists for operational (non-professional) issues. I am sure Mr Matalia would thoroughly disapprove of this. However it is perfectly clear to both myself and my pharmacist colleagues where our respective responsibilities lie. I have been lucky in always having worked with pharmacists who have been supportive of technicians and their role within specialised services in hospital and community. Without the ongoing development of technician and support staff roles there would not be the infrastructure to support the developing of roles of pharmacists and the profession of pharmacy as a whole. Thankfully, Mr Matalia appears to hold a minority view.

Gill Robson
Royal Victoria Infirmary
Newcastle Upon Tyne

Appreciated and trusted by pharmacists

From Mrs S. Walter, RegPharmTech

A. Matalia (PJ, 26 May, p608) should not imagine that just because most technicians lack a pharmacy degree we do not take a huge pride in providing a professional service. There can be few pharmacists who do not appreciate the support of a qualified and competent technician in their daily work: those same technicians with “delusions of grandeur” who none the less are proud to turn out work of the highest standard.

I was gratified to be allowed to register with the Society. I am fully aware that I am not a pharmacist, but with 34 years of dispensing experience, I like to think that I know my own particular place within the profession. I certainly know that in my own working environment, I am appreciated and trusted by our pharmacists and respected for the work I do and for the knowledge I have amassed. I sincerely hope that any technicians working with Mr Matalia feel equally as valued.

Sylvia Walter
Milton Keynes

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