'End the unfit for purpose white elephant!' - Your Letters: February 6

PRESCRIPTION SERVICES FLAWED

Some years ago when the Prescription Ordering Direct (POD) service started, I complained as people couldn't get through by phone and how much it was costing them via their phone bills. Some stopped taking their medication or cut down on it, ie taking half a tablet instead of full dose.

I even spoke to the so-called independent ombudsman, who is in fact funded by the government. How they get away with saying they are independent I don't know, however after speaking to some GP surgeries they have put repeat boxes back, we don't all have IT to order medication, so here we are again (but it's always been inept and very expensive to set up and run). Also I'm led to believe the call handlers are qualified nurses etc. As I said many times if that is the case they would be more useful on the wards and POD being done away with.

What has started me off again is my friend has just told me he was 75th in the POD queue to order Christmas and new year meds. How disgusting is that? If he can't get his meds he may end up in hospital like thousands more, for goodness sake, end the unfit for purpose white elephant.

Carol Prince, Craven Arms

CAN MINISTERS DO THE MATHS?

The basic state pension increase is almost completely taken up by tax.