§ Mr. McWalterTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to ensure delivery of medicines to those patients who are housebound. [48234]
§ Mr. Milburn[holding answer 1 July 1998]: Many community pharmacies operate delivery services, and this is one of the ways in which housebound people are able to obtain the medicines they need. While demand for this service remains, we expect that it will continue to be provided.
Home delivery by pharmacies is not the only way in which housebound patients may obtain the medicines they need. Informal and formal carers may collect medicines on their behalf, as in some cases do community nurses.