GP Dispensing: UPDATE LATEST NEWS In a sensational u-turn the government has abandoned its plans to end GP Dispensing in rural communities. Your campaign has worked and worked well.

10.18.00am GMT Mon 10th Nov 2008

Cllr. Baines delivering the petition

The Lib Dem Mid Beds Health Team raised concerns about the proposed Government changes to GP Dispensing in the government White Paper Pharmacy in England - building on strengths, delivering the future",

Led by Councillor Roger Baines a campaign has gathered strength to protect the rights of GP's to dispense medication to patient's in rural areas. Roger has put forward a motion adopted by the Tory majority on Mid Beds Council where they have accepted the importance of this potentially devastating move to rural communities already poorly served by bus services.

The team's actions so far:

• Written Letters of complaint to: Baroness Byford, Rural Services Group House of Lords, who has replied promising her support, Mark Simmons, MP Shadow Minister for GP's and Pharmacy and Alistair Burt, MP North East Bedfordshire.

• Petitioned local Tory Councillors resulting in a motion to write to the Secretary of State for Health criticising the policy to end GP Dispensing. The motion was carried unanimously on 25th September at a full council meeting.

• Roger has published a special edition of Focus, the Liberal Democrats' magazine, and delivered it to over 500 households. He has received 88 replies to a petition and has delivered them to Alan Johnson Health Minister in London.

• Assisted the local press in preparing articles for publication.

• Supported local surgeries in their campaigns to get patients to write to their MP's expressing their concerns.

• Attended the Department of Health Listening Consultation event in London on 8th October 2008 representing the views of the people of Mid Bedfordshire.

Cllr. Baines visited Whitehall in October to deliver the residents petition requesting retention of our vitally important GP dispensing services.

Cllr Baines said "I want Health Minister Alan Johnson to be in no doubt as to the strength of feeling in Mid Beds on this most important issue. Local Lib Dems believe strongly that our local GP dispensing services should not be abolished and will be fighting hard to support residents interests".

Story by Paul Gowers