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Medicine Reviews (Older People)

May I write to the hon. Gentleman on that point, as it merits more consideration than I can provide this evening? I have talked about the efforts to support PCTs in establishing medicine reviews. We have also ensured that through the new general medical services contract steps are in place to encourage medication reviews. Across the country, about 90 per cent. of GP practices reported that at least 80 per cent. of their patients who were prescribed four or more repeat medicines had had a medication review in the preceding 15 months recorded in their notes. Over four fifths of GP practices reported that at least 80 per cent. of their patients who were prescribed repeat medicines had had a medication review in the preceding 15 months, which is an achievement. Alongside the role of PCTs and GPs, we should consider the role of local pharmacists. We have gone to some lengths to underpin the important contribution that pharmacists make through the new community pharmacy contract. In the first six months, pharmacy owners have focused on the delivery of essential services. Even so, by the end of October, more than 20,000 people had had the benefit of a face-to-face consultation with their pharmacist to discuss their medicines and resolve problems. It was clear from the national consultation that we undertook as we developed the health White Paper that the role of community pharmacists was considered important by local communities. We will reflect on that in the White Paper to be published at the turn of the year.