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From John Turk, NPA chief executive 02/07/2009 Sir, Mr Fisher seems to feel NPA members’ views of the reasons for stock shortages are “imaginary”. Let me be very clear. The view I expressed was a reflection of the growing frustration our members feel about their ability to provide a responsive service for patients. From David Fisher, commercial director, ABPI 02/07/2009 Sir, From Steve Churton, RPSGB president 23/04/2009 Sir,
Over the past few weeks, since the sentencing of pharmacist Elizabeth Lee was made public, there has been a large amount of comment from concerned members of the profession, roundly condemning Ms Lee’s sentence and the impact it has on pharmacy. I, too, share your concerns... From: Rajiv Shah MRPharmS, project development manager, Sigma Pharmaceuticals 23/04/2009
Sir
It is extremely sad to see what has happened to Mrs Lee. I, as a newly qualified locum, have worked in many stores for nine to 10 hours with no dispensary staff and no breaks. The Society has to... From Mandeep Mudhar MRPharmS,locum pharmacist, Midlands 23/04/2009 Sir,
As a practising pharmacist who understands the pressures that we face in front-line pharmacy, I would like to give my full support to Mrs Lee. I also believe that dispensing errors should be decriminalised... From Graham Phillips, Manor Pharmacy, Herts 09/04/2009 Sir,
Congratulations to C+D for successfully campaigning on behalf of your readers and achieving the seemingly impossible – some recognition from Dawn Primarolo of our plight... From Frances Rowlands, Lloydspharmacy, Staffs 09/04/2009 Sir,
It was a bit of an epiphany reading Locum at Large. I passed it round my staff and we all agreed it could have been written about our shop... From Mike Hewitson, Beaminster Pharmacy, Dorset 12/03/2009 Sir,
I think we’re in so much of a hurry to lose our ‘pill counter’ image that we are rushing too fast down the clinical route, thinking that it will lead to more... From Uma Patel, Dunns Chemist Cranford 12/03/2009 Sir,
‘World class commissioning’ – what a pompous title. Since no other country in the world has adopted the NHS model of healthcare... From Malcolm Gardiner MRPharmS Kyle, Ross-shire 12/03/2009 Sir,
The problems regarding category M pricing for generics rumbles on, and will continue to do so, until somebody puts some reality into the way pharmacists are reimbursed for generics... From Stuart Chisnall, marketing manager, Phadia Ltd 12/03/2009 Sir,
I refer to your recent article ‘TV show under fire for intolerance tests advice’ (C+D, February 21, p8). I am writing on behalf of... From John D'Arcy, interim md, Numark 10/03/2009 Sir,
If Dawn Primarolo was not aware of the problems pharmacy was having with category M, she is now. The dossier that C+D has sent in makes clear that large numbers of contractors are facing real difficulties as a result of the Category M arrangements... From Mike Smith, chairman, UniChem 26/02/2009 Sir,
I wholeheartedly support the C+D campaign on category M. It comes as no surprise to me that Dawn Primarolo made the recent statement in the Commons debate... From: Jerry Cottrell, director of clinical affairs, Johnson&Johnson 26/02/2009 Sir,
In his letter (C+D, February 7, p14) commenting on the article on the future of P medicines (C+D, December 13, 2008, p10), Malcolm Gardiner’s contention... From Eoghan O’Brien, Bannside Pharmacy, Portglenone 12/02/2009 Sir,
I am very much in favour of reforms in the sales of OTC codeine-containing drugs. I am even in favour of making them POM... From Chris Howland-Harris, Ashgrove Pharmacy, Bristol 12/02/2009 Sir,
I read the article in C+D (January 31, p7) about Pfizer’s auditors looking at pharmacies with high orders for Pfizer stock, and wanted to make a comment about how this seems to be done without thought or discretion... From Kieran Eason, manager, Easons Pharmacy, Wilnecote, Staffs 12/02/2009 Sir,
I was wondering if any of your readers have had a similar problem to myself, whereby the PPA incorrectly scanned exempt scripts as chargeable... P medicines situation is bad for business and patients 05/02/2009 Sir,
I was reading the article about the future of P medicines in your December 13, 2008, issue. I have been a proprietor of community pharmacies since 1972, and finally sold... From Peter McAuley MRPharmS, Swindon 03/02/2009
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From Bob Dunkley MRPharmS, Leeds 03/02/2009 Sir, From Graham Phillips, Manor Pharmacy Group, Hertfordshire 03/02/2009 Sir, I have seen my gross profit margin, which initially improved with the introduction of the new pharmacy contract, collapse following government imposed changes during 2007... From Mike Hewitson, Beaminster Pharmacy, Dorset 30/01/2009 Sir,
Where does pharmacy’s future lie?
I think we’re in so much of a hurry to lose our ‘pill counter’ image that we are rushing too fast down the clinical route, thinking that it will lead to more kudos and respect. In my opinion... From Ashwin Tanna FRPharmS, Sydenham, London 15/01/2009 Sir,
Does the Prospectus convince pharmacists that the Society is now prepared to listen to its members? Does the Prospectus convince pharmacists that a new professional body will have learnt from the mistakes of the current one? From John D Anderson MRPharmS, Doddinghurst, Essex 15/01/2009
On behalf of Crisis I would like to express our appreciation and thanks to all those pharmacists who gave up some of their time this Christmas to volunteer for Crisis Christmas 2008.
From Harry White MRPharmS, Atherton, Manchester 08/01/2009 Sir,
Yes my friends, the end is near as I hang up my white coat – not that I’ve worn one for several years as I am in the smart tie and shirt brigade. But before I shuffle off, I’d like to make a few observations... From Tajinder Singh MRPharmS, Totley Pharmacy, Sheffield 08/01/2009
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I hardly need to repeat all the problems that many contractors are having with the Prescription Pricing Division (PPD) – suffice to say I am extremely frustrated and have zero confidence – but I have a new issue to add... Time for PPD and PSNC to come clean 08/01/2009 Sir,
Further to the debate and articles in C+D about the PPD’s new business processes, I’d like to add we have been monitoring our account since we were switched to the new scanning pricing process... From Leslie Cope MRPharmS, Walsall 08/01/2009 Sir,
As I read it (The New Professional Body for Pharmacy – The Prospectus, p21): “If you are not a practising pharmacist... it will not be legally permissible to call yourself a ‘pharmacist’.” From Mark Walker, MRPharmS, Oxford 19/12/2008
From Andy Murdock, pharmacy director, Lloydspharmacy 19/12/2008 Sir,
From Jeremy Holmes, chief executive, RPSGB 11/12/2008 Sir, Thank you for your comment on the prospectus for the new Professional Body in the 29th November issue. The prospectus details the key roles, services and benefits of the new body. From John D Anderson, Essex 25/11/2008 Sir,
For those more unfortunate members of society who are homeless, living on the streets or in hostel accommodation, Christmas can be a lonely and depressing time... From Graham Phillips, Manor Pharmacy Group, Hertfordshire 13/11/2008 Sir,
“Contractors cynical over pricing accuracy” read the headline (C+D, November 8, p6). Too right! ... From Meir Kattan, Kalmak Chemists, Stamford Street, London 13/11/2008 Sir,
On our statement from the PPD for August we were informed that some 70 items had been switched, which is about 68 more than usual... From Uma Patel director, Avicenna Plc 13/11/2008 Sir,
Since the CIP fiasco started I have monitored payments for items over £300, which are the only ones we can check... From Gill Field, Field Pharmacy, Minster, Kent 13/11/2008 Sir,
I am an independent contractor with one shop and was recently hit by a large pricing error. I checked all my expensive items and noticed a regular item for £3,000 was missing... From Jeremy Main, managing director, UniChem 10/11/2008 Jeremy Main, managing director of UniChem, responds to health minister Dawn Primarolo's answer to the first parliamentary question raised in relation to the ongoing issue of potential stock shortages as a result of the planned timing of the forthcoming PPRS. From Steve Poulton, commercial director, Pfizer 06/11/2008
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Your article 'Out-of-stock blackout' (C+D, October 11, p7) indicates that wholesalers are likely to destock medicines due to the revised PPRS discounts that will take effect ... From Mimi Lau, professional services director, Numark 20/10/2008
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From Michael Hamilton, NHS Business Services Authority 16/10/2008 Sir,
With regards to last week's Practical Approach (C+D, October 11, p24), I would like to clarify a couple of points... From Harry McQuillan, Community Pharmacy Scotland 16/10/2008 Sir,
In his recent interview with C+D, (October 11, p12) David Currie, Albapharm chief executive, says the independent pharmacy sector is "not at the table" when it comes to engaging with government. From Mike Smith, chairman, Unichem 15/10/2008 From Minal Chotai MRPharmS, Leicester 09/10/2008 Sir, There has been a lot of justifiable discussion regarding the split of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society into a pure regulatory body and a membership body... From Mark James, group managing director, AAH 29/09/2008 Sir,
I still believe that with the right support and guidance independent pharmacy can compete and succeed. However, future success is not guaranteed: those who plan ahead and act now will be the ones who remain successful and profitable. So, here are my top four tips... From Prof Michael Doughty, Glasgow-Caledonian University 02/10/2008 Sir,
As a lecturer in ocular pharmacology, I am a subscriber to C+D and find it useful for keeping on top of important issues... From Medical Services, Reckitt Benckiser 02/10/2008 Sir,
An advert for Lemsip Max All in One Liquid (PL16028/0077) appeared on the back cover of C+D's September 13 issue. The advert contained a number of inaccuracies... Can CfH guarantee EPS will work for pharmacy? 25/09/2008 Sir,
I am pleased to hear that, having worked closely with Connecting for Health, Patrick Leppard is confident that the necessary work is being completed to ensure the electronic prescription service (EPS) will work in community pharmacy... C+D's Building Bridges - it works! Sir,
Can I urge fellow contractors to support C+D's Building Bridges campaign? Light at the end of the tunnel Sir,
Your columnist Locum at Large (C+D, August 23, p15) may be pleased to know that, prior to its loss of regulatory function, the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand went... From Shafique Govani, head of Beta Buying Group Sir,
Is the government's pharmacy white paper (Pharmacy in England: Building on strengths - delivering the future) a bitter pill for the profession coated in... From Richard Sherwood MPSNI MRPharmS Sir,
It is about time pharmacies all stand united to get a fairer deal on matters like the minor... From Steve Gray, operations director, Lloydspharmacy Sir,
Boots is to be congratulated on the opening of its first drive-through pharmacy (C+D, August 30, p6), the second such pharmacy in the From Patrick Leppard, service development lead for Hants & IoW LPC Sir,
In response to Peter McAuley's question "Has anyone really thought about how EPS will work?" (C+D, August 23, p10), the simple answer is yes. Connecting for... From Graham Phillips MRPharmS, Herts Sir,
In response to Gill Beard’s letter last week (C+D, August 23, p10), I certainly do not have an irrational fear of technicians - quite the reverse...
(includes response from Gill Beard) From Nick Burdess MRPharmS, Stockton-on-Tees Sir,
What a curious interview in C+D (August 16, p12). Jeremy Holmes wants leadership in the new professional body and yet dismisses the category M issue as something... From Peter Robinson MRPharmS, Leeds Sir,
I will not join the new professional body by choice – but it looks as though the Society will make it impossible not to join... From Peter McAuley MRPharmS, Swindon Sir, The article by Tim Donohoe in the C+D digital edition (August 9) is another interesting article on the benefits of EPS... From Gill Beard, registered pharmacy technician, by email Sir,
As a registered pharmacy technician, I feel that I must take issue with some of the points raised by Graham Phillips... From Rob Darracott, CEO, Company Chemists' Association Sir,
Following high profile cases where a number of cancer patients have been denied access to NHS funded treatment... From Keith Hinde, superintendent pharmacist Eagle Bridge Pharmacy, Crewe Sir, I find Nicola Watson's evidence (C+D, August 2, p12) somewhat confusing. Regardless of the debate over polyclinics From Graham Phillips MRPharmS, Herts Sir,
Most pharmacists seem to regard the RPSGB as at best irrelevant and at worst malevolent. However you see things, the split of the Society presents pharmacists with an opportunity... From J David Thomas, MRPharmS, by email Sir,
Recently, PSNC spoke at the annual DDA conference and, from the reports I have received, it was like a lamb being gently led to slaughter... From Nicola Watson, pharmacy manager, Rowlands, Crewe Sir,
The concept of polyclinics surely goes against the aims of the pharmacy white paper - just how do polyclinics make better use of our skills to deliver more healthcare services at a local level? From John Foreman, partner, Green Light Pharmacies Sir,
The effects of category M reductions have been disastrous... From Syd Bashford, delivery chemist, Scarborough Sir, Last year we had employed a semi-retired nurse as a dispenser (30hr) with a view to being able to offer community nurse-based services under the new pharmacy contract.Because of category M price reductions and a complete lack of commissioned services, we had to make the staff member redundant... From David Badham, Stewart Pharmacy Sir With reference to the recent article 'GPs steal a march in COE debate' (C+D, June 28, p6) - what a delight to hear from Sandra Gidley MP... From Kumud Kantilal, South East London Cancer Network Sir,
It is now 40 years since the list of medical exemptions for prescription charges in the NHS was introduced. Much has changed since then. New diseases have arisen... From Jeremy Holmes, chief executive and registrar, RPSGB Sir, I would like to respond to Sandra Gidley's comments (C+D, p14, July 12) on leadership and visibility in response to the pharmacy in England white paper. I hope she is pleased... From Donald Davison FRPharmS, Manchester Sir,
May I please correct a statement attributed to me during my telephone off-the-cuff with your reporter (C+D, p5, July 5)? In 1948 we pharmacists in Sunderland had no concern whatsoever about GP dispensing... From Mark James, group managing director, AAH Pharmaceuticals 10/07/2008 Sir,
The recent poll conducted by C+D concerning the relationship between pharmacists and GPs highlighted interesting results that are a cause for both optimism and concern From Sue Oakley MRPharmS, Dorset 10/07/2008 Sir,
As a pharmacist with experience of working within PCTs, I am concerned about the way in which some pharmacies are carrying out MURs... Where is the job satisfaction? 10/07/2008 Sir,
I agree with everything written in the article entitled 'Down and out: pharmacists consider quitting under stress' (C+D, June 21, p4). I would quit today if I could find another job. .. From Georgina Craig, Commissioning Policy Lead, CCA 26/06/2008 Sir,
I was delighted to read in C+D’s story on polyclinics (June 21, p8) that the Department of Health “makes no apology for asking the NHS to invest in new GP services that will improve access and choice” – neither should it. However... From Hatul Shah, Middlesex 26/06/2008 I have been following your articles on category M with interest and was dismayed to read the response from the Association of Independent Pharmacy Groups... From Terry Hannawin, chief executive, Pharmaceutical Contractors Committee 26/06/2008 Sir,
The Pharmaceutical Contractors Committee has grave concerns about the Department's proposal for the central tendering of generic medicines in primary care. From Antony Marshall MRPharmS, Stoke-on-Trent 26/06/2008 Sir,
I work for a large multiple as a branch pharmacist and have to comment about your article on MURs... From Steve Churton, president, RPSGB 19/06/2008 Sir,
Xrayser raised some interesting issues in his column The best of British to you Mr Churton (C+D, 14 June). The fact is... from Andrew Gush, treasurer, RPSGB 19/06/2008 Sir,
As treasurer of the Society it is important that I put into context the comments made by the past president, Hemant Patel, in C+D recently claiming that the new professional body would need 30 per cent support to succeed... From Steve Churton, president, Royal Pharmaceutical Society 12/06/2008 Sir,
I read with interest the comments made by Hemant Patel in his interview with C+D last week (June 7, p12).As the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's new president, I am acutely aware of the challenge we face in preparing the profession for the future From Mark Griffiths, chairman, Cambrian Alliance 12/06/2008 Sir,
For the last three years, pharmacists have been examining their remuneration with increasing concern. Category M cuts and changes to the PPRS have come on top of the changed contract to hit pharmacy balance sheets and have created a very unstable financial regime... From Jean-Pierre Moser, Head of Corporate Communications, RPSGB 06/06/2008 Sir, Xrayser’s view on the Society’s Pharmacy Rx Factor initiative published last week (31 May) made for amusing reading. However there is a serious side to the initiative which it is important to highlight to C+D readers... Control of entry: does it kill competition? 05/06/2008 Sir,
It seems that all independents care deeply about the future of independent community pharmacy, that is, until they come to sell up and then it's every man for himself. From Ewan Black MRPharmS, manager and director, Greenhead Pharmacy, Dumbarton 29/05/2008 Sir,
I have been following with interest the debate emanating from C+D's Salary Survey. Its findings came as little surprise to me. Anecdotally, morale amongst community pharmacists is generally low. But why is this? From David Lewis, Morsy Lewis Pharmacies 29/05/2008 Sir,
I am the owner of two independent pharmacies currently doing about 5,000 items a month. Category M has really hit the two shops. The current PPD payments we have received over the last four months have barely covered the bills for our wholesalers. From Jackie Giltrow, Head of Regulatory Transition, RPSGB 16/05/2008 Sir, I am writing in response to the recent correspondence in the C+D on the Society’s consultation on threshold criteria... From Terry Scicluna, managing director, UniChem 08/05/2008 Sir,
I was interested to read the recent feature in C+D looking at the government's proposals for polyclinics and the potential impact on pharmacy. |
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