Apart from the stated problems associated with the current RP legislation, reduced remuneration, increased retention fees, lack of income from long awaited primary care trust services, increased workloads, direct-to-pharmacy distribution, practice-based commissioning, internet pharmacies, in-store GPs, 100-hour pharmacies, creating SOPs that are never read, jumping through hoops for CPD, EPS, hub and spoke dispensing, robotic dispensing and video linked pharmacists, I would consider becoming a locum. Still glad I’m retired!

Hilarious! It's reassuring to know that the manufacturers at least have a good sense of humour. But seriously, make some more drugs eh?

Re Graham Morris - You ought to come out of retirement. You clearly don't appreciate how satisfying it is to finally get through to a CfH helpline number, the feeling of relief when the stock you have ordered comes through when you are below the arbirtary quota and the overwhelaming joy that your profit hasn't been slashed by another unfathomable change in Category M.

Come on Graham, these little rushes of exceitement must more than make up for a steady, reliable income with satisfying customer interaction and friendly support...

When I first started out in pharmacy I was constantly being visited by company representatives to order a monthly discount parcel through them. These would either arrive direct from the company or would be a transfer order through a chosen wholesaler. It looks as if it is time to re-invent the wheel. At least that way the representative knew our order requirements and could spot sudden increases in turnover. Those who want to "parallel import" drugs out of this country could then be identified and their actions questioned. But, of course, this would cost the companies money in setting up such a system. So, in essence, it's much easier to cause pharmacists real supply problems and let patients suffer. Glad I'm retired!