I have been asked to prescribe Mrs Jenkin's medications every seven days by our local pharmacists. Do I have to do this?

I suspect that some of the large chains are pushing for this.  Hence the sudden increase in requests.  I sent an email within my practice yesterday to tell partners not to do this as we had several requests for 7 day prescriptions that morning.

My understanding from discussions with Hampshire & IoW LPC is that disabled patients are funded via the new Pharmacy Contract, and that patients outside this group may access this service for a cost of about £5 per month.

The LPC took the same position as the LMC which was that we are required to prescribe for the clinically appropriate time period, variation from this to fund Chemists may be construed as fraudulent.

• prescribe the quantity you feel is clinically appropriate to the need of your patient
  

NW July 08