Haven’t we been here before? That’s exactly the scenario I experienced recently when I ran a full day meeting with the medically qualified NHS Consultants who are our tutors for our medical interview courses. We had set aside the time to learn from each other, develop fresh approaches and to ensure that we continue to […]
On the 4th September, the independent Barker Commission on the Future of Health and Social Care in England published its final report and focused attention on the topic of integrated care. The messages are clear and simply presented on the King’s Funds illustrated summary. In short, the line between healthcare and social care is becoming […]
One day before Peter Capaldi made his debut on the small screen as the new Doctor Who, the BBC reported that the Department of Health is planning to rapidly expand the number of people in “doctor’s assistant” roles. The Patient Association has raised concern that hospitals will become more reliant on physician associates because they […]
“Listen to me – I’m a doctor!” Such words may never have crossed your lips. Many patients, however, with expectations of expertise, the perception of authority and feelings of trust will subconsciously hear this phrase at the end of every sentence spoken by their medical professional. They will therefore usually at least try to listen […]
August is here. For the population at large attention is being directed towards holidays, enjoying longer hours of daylight and making the most of the great outdoors. In sharp contrast to this season of relaxation, August presents a very different stage in the annual cycle for doctors working in hospital. This week a fresh cohort […]
The NHS is huge and complex. The numerous organisations which form its constituent parts continually evolve, divide, grow, and merge. Processes, authority and responsibilities forever shift with each change of the political winds. How can any single doctor ever expect to exert a worthwhile degree of influence, even if they wanted to? In the foreword […]
“Live long and prosper”. “Be healthy, wealthy and wise.” “Lang may yer lum reek!” In every culture there is a desire for a long and happy life and the advances in healthcare are playing a major part in significantly extending our life expectancy. It goes without saying that we want these additional years to be […]
At the end of what has been an excellent World Cup, an editorial in the Lancet has echoed the alarm which many will have felt at the spectacle being sullied by the poor management of players who were apparently concussed. Uruguay’s Alvero Pereira lay motionless for some time during a game with England. Argentina’s Javier […]
There appears to be no shortage of opinion at the moment about the financial predicaments facing the NHS, with concerns being raised about its realistic life expectancy. Lead stories are grabbing the headlines on an almost daily basis. Take for example the BBC Health report prompted by a Nuffield Trust survey which concludes that […]
Several recent and current healthcare news stories from different viewpoints are colliding to create increasing alarm over the future pressures upon the NHS. The Health Select Committee has highlight the fact that dealing long term health conditions, such as diabetes, accounts for 70% of all health spending to be focused upon just 30% of patients. […]
