Chris Ham’s article in last week’s Observer newspaper (“Politicians have ducked hard decisions on the NHS for far too long” Sunday 19 June 2011), and a news story in this week’s BMJ […]
NHS
Martin McShane: A tale of two citizens?
Four years ago I participated in scenario planning. The document that emerged is as relevant today as it was then – perhaps because it was looking “Over the Horizon,” taking […]
Kailash Chand: The Health and Social Care Bill remains flawed and unpopular
The government has set out its stall in detail on the changes it will make to the Health and Social Care Bill. Many of the BMA’s concerns were addressed by […]
Douglas Noble on reforming the reforms
The pause ended in dramatic fashion last week with the publication of the NHS Future Forum’s recommendations. Most interesting was the orthopaedic surgeon at Guys Hospital who confronted the prime […]
Richard Smith: The NHS debate – missing most of what matters
I’ve stayed out of the NHS debate. These days I spend lots of time in countries like Bangladesh, Kenya, and Guatemala, and viewed from those countries – where health workers and […]
Martin McShane: Director’s cut
I picked up a book recently co-authored by Colin Price, the essence of which can be found in this slide deck. One of the key points made is that if […]
Edward Davies: NHS Reforms – be careful what you wish for
David Cameron’s speech on NHS reform this week should have marked a substantial victory for doctors’ leaders. In recent months they have been even more outspoken than usual in their […]
Peter Davies: Is it time to scrap the primary-secondary care divide?
Suppose a pathologist was to say, “Because I am not a GP I do not belong here.” Or a GP was to say, “Because I am not a cardio-thoracic surgeon […]
Martin McShane: Toffee popcorn
I went to see a film with my son. He bought a packet of toffee popcorn. I love toffee popcorn but it has little nutritional value and in excess would […]
Martin McShane: No rules
I read the King’s fund paper on management in the NHS. It should be read widely. Some politicians and professionals understand that successful organisations have good management. Some even understand […]