Candidate Offers Apology Over Threat To GP Dispensing Practices

9.56.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 9th Oct 2008

Local Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, Richard Burt today had a 'clear the air' meeting with GP and dispensing representatives at Pershore Medical Practice.

Mr Burt offered an apology for a statement in July diminishing the threat to GP dispensing services in Pershore and Upton under proposals outlined in a Government White Paper.

Following the meeting with Dr James Rankin, the Lib Dem candidate said: "I am pleased to be able to set the record straight over the threat to GP dispensing services in Pershore and Upton.

"It's not very often you hear a politician apologise, but I got it wrong. I reacted in haste and have since understood the very real threat to GP dispensing services in rural areas proposed in the Government White Paper, Pharmacy in England.

"It is the duty of Government to set the framework for a dispensing network that is responsive to the needs of patients in rural areas as well as larger towns and cities.

"What they have proposed in this White Paper would not only lead to the loss of dispensing facilities at three local practices, but also put other vital GP led services currently funded by dispensing income at risk."