MP fears for future of dispensing doctors
MP fears for future of dispensing doctors
22 November 2008
For a few weeks, the Government asked for people's views on its White Paper on the future of dispensing doctors. Those are surgeries where you can collect your medicines. Locally, this includes surgeries in Winster, Ashbourne, Eyam, Hartington, Brailsford and Hulland.
On the 20 November 2008 this consultation closed, but the Government has not yet said when they will respond to it.
This Government White Paper could mean the end for dispensing by many doctors, who for many years have provided a vital service in rural communities where a community pharmacy is not available.
A quarter of GP practices in Derbyshire dispense medicines, and the proposals could mean the end of this service.
West Derbyshire's Member of Parliament, Patrick McLoughlin, commented,
"I have been contacted by a lot of people about the future of dispensing doctors. They have made very clear how difficult it would be for many of them to have to take prescriptions into a town. Every representation that I have received has been sent to the Department of Health for consultation.
"Like the Post Office Card Account (POCA), I believe the Government has underestimated how much people in rural areas value the services they still have. From my postbag, I can see there is a great strength of feeling in the countryside against the White Paper.
"I hope that the Government will realise this and will see sense and alter these plans, making sure that dispensing doctors remains a service throughout West Derbyshire."
