“The more I practice, the luckier I get”, quipped Gary Player in response to a wisecracking spectator who had watched him hole a difficult shot from a deep bunker. To demonstrate his point, the master golfer took his detractor’s bet and successfully repeated the shot – then did it once again just for good measure […]
“How effective are you as a catalyst for change?” Whenever you are preparing for your medical interview it pays to consider as many potential questions as possible as this will help you to clarify your experience and opinions in advance of the event. You will always impress most if you can illustrate your responses with […]
Given the apparently relentless negative press which has bombarded the NHS over the past year it would seem inevitable that the overwhelming mood is and should be one of despondency and pessimism. How many doctors then were taken aback at the output of the British Social Attitudes 2014 survey results? – Overall Public satisfaction with the […]
“There is nothing permanent except change itself.” We will all be familiar with these words attributed to Heraclitus, the ancient philosopher, so it’s hardly a new sentiment. When we initiate change ourselves, as many will have through New Year resolutions, we can feel empowered, energised and committed. However when change is imposed upon us, our […]
Over the past couple of weeks BBC News has been focusing attention on locum doctors, reporting information which they have gained based upon freedom of information requests which they submitted. Here’s a quick bullet point summary of the key financial points raised by these reports: – Almost one in four A&E departments in hospitals in […]
It is human nature to make associations which are based on our experiences, attitudes and beliefs, helping us to “fill in the blanks” and reach quick and intuitive assumptions. However it is inevitable that not all of our associations with be helpful and that not all of our assumptions will be correct. In the world […]
The report by Lord MacLean into the C. difficile outbreak at Dunbartonshire’s Vale of Leven Hospital between 2007 and 2008 makes for uncomfortable reading. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has apologised unreservedly for a “terrible failure”. Of 143 patients who were identified as having contracted the infection C. diff was defined as a contributory factor in […]
“Ok, so what you need to do is reduce taking the tablets you have been taking down to once a day and take two of these new tablets three times a day, then come back and see me in two weeks from now. Is that ok?” “Yes, thank you doctor.” If only life were so […]
“Health care in the UK faces a future of increasing constraints. Serious challenges exist that threaten the sustainability of services. To preserve the standards of care provided across the NHS, waste must be reduced.” These are the open words of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges reportProtecting Resources, Promoting Value which has been released today. In […]
On the 17th of October David Behan, Chief Executive of the Care Quality Commission, launched the independent regulator’s State of Care 2013/14 report for health and social care in England. It provides some uncomfortable reading. Five basic questions were asked of all the services which were inspected: Are they safe? Are they effective? Are they […]
