Government Decision To Preserve GP Dispensaries Welcomed (West Worcestershire Liberal Democrats)

West Worcestershire Liberal Democrats <contact.us@westworcslibdems.org.uk>

Government Decision To Preserve GP Dispensaries Welcomed

December 19, 2008 11:55 AM

Local Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, Richard Burt has welcomed an announcement by health minister, Phil Hope, stating that Government has dropped controversial plans which would have resulted in the loss of GP dispensing services at practices in Pershore and Upton.

The decision to scrap the proposals was announced in Parliament just before the Christmas recess. There will be no change to the existing dispensing arrangements.

Mr Burt, who wrote in support of local GPs during the government's consultation this autumn said he was "delighted" with the outcome.

"Congratulations to all who wrote calling for no change (option 4) during the consultation period on the Government's White Paper. Thousands more signed petitions at their local GP surgery.

"Ministers have responded positively to the public outcry from patients and GPs in rural communities the length and breadth of the country.

"Patients can now continue to choose the most convenient collection point for their prescriptions, dispensing jobs will be saved and additional GP services paid for by dispensing revenue will be maintained.

"This is a victory for common sense."