Liberal Democrats call to preserve local dispensing services

6.00.00pm GMT Wed 29th Oct 2008

Local Liberal Democrats across the Central Suffolk and North Ipswich Constituency have reacted with concern over the Labour Government consultation document which could see the end of the dispensing service to the frail, infirm, young and the elderly at Doctor Surgeries across the constituency.

Parliamentary Spokesman Andrew Aalders-Dunthorne commented: "This year my family personally depended on the dispensing service offered by my local GP, when my eldest son fell critically ill and was rushed to Addenbrookes. When he came home we relied on this local, accessible service which supplied us with medication and offered the security of knowing that professional advice was close by."

"I want this sense of security to be protected for all local residents," concluded Andrew.

The Government have published a consultation document, which proposes several options which would change the rules concerning doctors who dispense medications to patients. Doctors have warned that the loss of the dispensing function at branch surgeries could lead to a reduction in other services.

"If you like me, value the dispensing service that we receive from our local doctor's surgery, I urge you to write to the address below - stating that you wish to keep the existing arrangements," Andrew added

Write to:

Gillian Farnfield

Dept of Health Medicines, Pharmacy and Industry Group.

Area 453D Skipton House,

80 London Road,

London,

SE1 6LH.

Or email: PWPCONS@dh.gsi.gov.uk