NHS Trust guidelines which limit the numbers of tablets hospitals and GPs can prescribe to patients on low incomes, especially the elderly, is a short-sighted policy which, in the long run, not only makes life more difficult for the elderly infirm but can be more costly to all concerned, including the NHS.

It is quite common for patients to be prescribed by their GPs tablets on a semi permanent basis and, in many cases, a permanent basis. The guidelines recommend that only 14 days' supply are prescribed, although GPs are allowed some discretion and may prescribe up to 28 days supply.

The costs to the elderly can be considerable in a duplication of bus fares and telephone calls, apart from extra hassle at a time in their life when they should be reducing stress.

What about the extra costs involved in additional reception staffs and, in some cases, extra GPs?

The cost of making up prescriptions by the chemists will also escalate. NHS clerical staff checking that prescriptions have been properly costed will find their costs increasing.

The present day elderly have paid for almost 50 years for their prescriptions, not to mention the taxes they have paid to keep the NHS going. No-one wants their GP to under-prescribe or over-prescribe, but to get it right first time.

I doubt that these guidelines are legally enforceable. Parliament has decided that the elderly will not pay prescription charges. Is it another case of the last Conservative government making us pay?

KEN BUTLER, Haston Lee Avenue, Blackburn.

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