There have been mixed messages from the Patients Association in response to the announcement of plans for nursing in England to become an all-graduate profession. Writing in The Times on 12 November, the Association’s director, Katherine Murphy, said the move had “sent out all the wrong messages, as it has become more important to write about care than to give it”. In contrast, their vice-chairman, Mike Summers, welcomed the move, saying he didn’t think, “…anybody could really complain about nursing being taught to a high level.” Neither mentioned an essential point, apparently missed by other commentators, too, that common sense suggests that you cannot increase recruitment to a profession by making it more exclusive. more…

Some things never seem to change. I spent much of the ten years during which I ran the Skin Care Campaign (SCC) explaining patiently to the government and to pharmacists that, where topical treatments for skin diseases are concerned, generic substitution can present serious problems. That was not only the view of the 35 patient organisations the SCC represents; it was strongly supported by dermatology nurse specialists, GPSIs in dermatology and consultant dermatologists. more…

Like many observers of the National Health Service over the past few years, and like many people within it I suspect, I have become weary of the endless succession of changes that have been imposed on primary care – many of them no more than cost-cutting exercises dressed up as improved patient care. Weariness leads to wariness, so it was with some scepticism that I accepted an invitation recently to attend a cardio-vascular (CVD) patient information evening being run by our local practice, the Hillcrest Surgery in Acton, West London. My scepticism was entirely misplaced. It was a most excellent event. more…

It is very good to see Changing Faces nominated as the BMA charity of the year, both because it is an outstanding organisation and because the nomination recognises a reality of which too many people are unaware.

I know Changing Faces well. Run by its founder, the indefatigable James Partridge, it supports and represents people with disfigurements to the face, hand or body. It is imaginative, innovative, collaborative, and a model of good governance. more…

What interests the public and what is in the public interest can be two rather different things but can come together to argue strongly for change. Such is the case with British law in respect of assisted dying. It is wrong to say, as some do, that the law is adequate as it stands. It is not. The uncertainty that surrounds it is causing great distress to significant numbers of people and may be shortening the lives of some. more…

I make no apology for beginning with a sad but salutary tale.

Governments are charged with spending their health budgets wisely and to best advantage. The prevention of illness - call it “health education” – is a very wise way in which to spend some of the money; far better both for the public and for the NHS that people should be prevented from becoming ill than that they should eventually have to be treated for preventable illnesses. more…