Beith welcomes news that the Government has dropped plans to change dispensing rules for GPs

11.30.00am GMT Tue 13th Jan 2009

Sir Alan Beith MP, Liberal Democrat MP for Berwick upon Tweed, has welcomed the news that the Government has decided not to change the rules for dispensing GP practices.

Alan Beith said

"Even though there are some problems with the present system, which gives little opportunity for the voices of local people to be heard, there will be widespread relief that the government is not going ahead with changes which might have threatened dispensing arrangements with local doctors, which are highly valued by their patients.

"I have received many emails and letters from people who use the Belford practice's dispensing service and I am very pleased to be able to reassure these residents that no changes will be made to the rules on dispensing through GP practices."

Minister of State in the Department of Health Phil Hope MP told the House of Commons:

"We are analysing the responses to the consultation on pharmaceutical provision in England, and we will be making an announcement on these wider issues as soon as possible in the new year.

"I am aware of the strength of the responses we received on the various options for amending the criteria for dispensing by doctors. We have taken into account the views of those attending the listening events, the meetings and so on, and as a result I am pleased to announce to him that there will be no change to the current arrangements on GPs dispensing medicines to their patients."