Is a dispensing doctor a charity?

[Racer]

Waitrose Okehampton think so. Went to put my green token in the box and was horrified to find that a local dd was one of the choices. Not the most popular I hasten to add, and as you might guess my token went elsewhere.

For those who don't shop at Waitrose- when you pay at the till you get a token to put in a box by the exit to vote for one of three local charities-usually playgroups, local hospices, scout groups. Waitrose have a sum of money to distribute each month in proportion to the votes received.

[hibernia]

Did you ask Waitrose?
Sometimes you have to do more than just drop your token into another box. Ask to speak to the manager or the person responible for selecting the 'charities' and ask them how they choose between so many worthy causes.
In Ireland a charity must be registered before it can get contributions so it might be worth checking what the position is.

[Racer]

Did you ask Waitrose?
Sometimes you have to do more than just drop your token into another box. Ask to speak to the manager or the person responible for selecting the 'charities' and ask them how they choose between so many worthy causes.
In Ireland a charity must be registered before it can get contributions so it might be worth checking what the position is.

Didn't get a chance to ask anyone as we were in a hurry to get down to aged parents place in Cornwall. Good idea though, I'll email them tomorrow.

[Racer]

Sent this today, will post any reply

Good Morning,

I’m not sure who this email should go to, so perhaps you could forward it if necessary.

I dropped into your Okehampton branch yesterday and was surprised to notice that one of the local doctors dispensing surgeries was on the Community Matters voting box.

You may not realise that GPs are most certainly not a charity and in fact are more akin to small businesses, perhaps not so small as GP partners make £100K and those in a dispensing practice can make upto £250K per annum. They can easily afford to buy nebulisers to lend to their patients and can claim tax relief in the form of capital allowances for equipment for use in their practice.

I think in the circumstances that its poor taste for them to have the begging bowl out, especially in a place like Okehampton which has been hit hard with substantial job losses. You’re probably already contributing to the local food bank, but if not then this would be a much better place for contributions from Waitrose.

Regards

Racer

[Tony Schofield]

A charity is subject to significant regulation but there is no reason why this surgery could not have constituted part of its' operations as a charity, not least for tax purposes! "Not for profit" companies are now starting to proliferate and I know many with pharmacist directors. Was one myself until recently.

It will be interesting to see what reponse you do get!

[Racer]

Latest news is that Waitrose HQ have asked the Okehampton branch manager to investigate and then they'll get back to me

[Racer]

I had two replies from Waitrose-one apologising for "upsetting" me and the other saying they were giving money to the Surgery League of Friends who are a charity and not the Surgey itself.

" The objectives of the charity are on their website "To relieve the patients of ***** ***** Surgery in the Community who are sick, convalescent, disabled, inform or in need, and generally to support the Charitable work of the Medical Centre”."

Can't think how to take it any further , but am ceasing to care anyway

[GAZ]

you could set up a Pharmacy League of Friends?

[hibernia]

Can't think how to take it any further , but am ceasing to care anyway

There is only so much one indiviual can do but at least you made your point and they may think twice about their choice of 'charities'.

[Pharmanaut]

After chasing down a prescription for a parent with an epileptic child on a saturday whose prescription wasn't ready for collection in the week, and was now deplete of medication; due to the surgery being behind due to a staff training afternoon we received a telling off not to do this again at the weekend. The practice manager also commented that "you chemists will do anything to get your hands on a prescription".

If only pharmacy could have great public image like the GPs.

Anyway, now working my ticket until retirement.