SIR – THE funding/ privatisation of the NHS is an issue, but the emphasis is on the amount spent rather than how efficiently it is spent.

Repeat prescriptions account for 80 per cent of all Government prescription costs and 90 per cent of patients do not pay.

My repeat prescription form contains items not required for over a year which I delete.

However my pharmacist tells me that when patients submit requests for repeats and he asks which items are required, the answer is usually everything whether actually needed or not.

This is confirmed by the amount of unopened medication returned for disposal when the patient dies.

As for privatisation, I am for it so long as it is confined to record keeping and administration. Those trained to care for the sick being allowed to exclusively fulfil their prime function on the direct behalf of the state.

However in one instance someone has evidently seen the light.

Patients were asked to reduce the doctors’ load by consulting the pharmacist regarding minor illness, but they were dissuaded from so doing by having to pay the full price for any recommended medication.

I understand that arrangements are now being made whereby the pharmacist can supply basic remedies free.

John Pashley, Westcliffe Avenue, Baildon