Ask the pharmacist

sir – In the Fifties and Sixties, my father would regularly ask the local pharmacist’s advice as to treatments and medication for his various ailments (Letters, February 13).

My father was a specialist doctor.

Felicity Mcweeney

Morpeth, Northumberland

sir – No parents are going to follow the new NHS guidance and take their sick children to the pharmacist – where they will be advised to buy expensive medicines – when a visit to the doctor is likely to lead to those medicines being prescribed and thus free.

Tim Wood

Wivenhoe, Essex

sir – There always seems to be a queue at the pharmacy counter. Most premises have only one pharmacist, who is expected to make up prescriptions and offer advice.

If many more people attend their pharmacy, I can see an appointment system being introduced – and then it will be six weeks to see a pharmacist as well as your GP.

John Newbury

Warminster, Wiltshire