UK Nursing is a Mess

Tweet

_Nursing is a mess but those at the top fail to admit it_

 

Julie Bailey

 

Something has gone badly wrong with the nursing profession. But despite all the evidence, I fear we are no closer to doing something about it. Everyone’s talking about it, but the very people who can help to do something are still in denial.

 

Traditionally, we have been reluctant to criticise nurses — partly because we fear that relatives still in hospital will suffer the backlash if we complain. It isn’t easy to put your head above the parapet and speak out. I did because I owed it to my mother — but be prepared to be very unpopular.

 

I lost my mother in Stafford Hospital. She went in for a routine hernia operation but eight weeks later she died; a nurse dropped her and she never recovered from the fall. The ward she had been on was chaotic; the staff seemed to be oblivious to the suffering of patients, many of whom were screaming out in pain.

 

Now the noise of complaint is getting too loud for the medical profession and authorities to ignore. Report after report highlights these failings. Yet those in nursing leadership roles still do little. Dame Christine Beasley, the Chief Nursing Officer, gave evidence recently to the public inquiry into the appalling conditions at Stafford. We the bereaved relatives sat in the gallery hoping to hear that urgent action was being taken. We wanted to hear how she was ensuring that the nursing profession would return to high standards of care. She gave no indication that she was even aware that there was a problem, or any urgency to do anything about it.

 

Peter Carter, the president of the Royal College of Nursing, also gave evidence to the inquiry in March. I struggle with the very idea that the RCN can be a royal college; it is a politicised union that has overseen this decline in standards. This week Mr Carter blames the unregulated healthcare assistants for appalling care and says that relatives should be helping to meet basic nursing needs for family members because nurses are too busy. These are the very people leading the profession and yet they fail miserably to acknowledge the extent of their failings.

 

The culture of caring has been crushed by the way nursing is now taught and by managers focused on targets and finance. The NHS must be turned the right way up with clinicians and nurses, not managers, leading the way. They should tell those who have brought shame on their profession to change or leave. Above all, they should remember that the most important person is the patient and the purpose of being a nurse is to serve the sick.

_

Julie Bailey set up Cure the NHS and led the campaign to improve standards at Stafford Hopital_ Julie via Times London

 

 

Sadly, Julie Bailey has described most hospitals in UK and the attitude of many nursing staff. 

Blood-letting

Tweet

Attending local hospital for fasting blood test is valuable experience for any doctor.

This morning here I am waiting with my fellow patients to get bled.

In this place it is as if the world as healthy world knows it has been left behind.

A parallel world marching to a different drum. Outside traffic queues. Children are making their way to school. Here we all have ”issues".

As far as the lady's taking our blood are concerned we are little more than a vein to stab.

What a strange production line this is.

It is a far cry from the old-fashioned leeching of past centuries when the doctor was solely responsible for blood-letting.

The mystery of the body humours has been resolved now. However, I still think there remains in the mind of many that getting better depends on a blood-letting.

My Updated Primary Care Newsletter

Tweet

http://paper.li/f-1309889948#

Fw: News from The National Archives | September 2011

Tweet

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: The National Archives <nationalarchives@enews.nationalarchives.gov.uk>
To: "lewisfromoz@btinternet.com" <lewisfromoz@btinternet.com>
Sent: Wednesday, 7 September, 2011 11:23:12
Subject: News from The National Archives | September 2011

View this email in your browser New Merchant Navy records now available online We have some exciting news for you this month - findmypast.co.uk has just released 1 million Merchant Navy seamen records. Dating from 1918 to 1941, these records cover a significant era in nautical history, when ocean travel was at its peak. The Merchant Navy covered all cargo and passenger ships and their crew, so if your ancestor 'went to sea' and you've previously not found them in Royal Navy records, this may be where they're hiding. The records, which are now available online*, contain rarely seen photos of the mariners along with descriptions including hair and eye colour, height and distinguishing marks.  Don't forget we have some useful guides on our website to help with your research into merchant seamen. And if you'd like to read more, My Ancestor was a Merchant Seaman is available in paperback from our bookshop. Good luck with your research! Laura Cowdrey Editor From the bookshop: discounts off selected titles on women and the Second World War To celebrate the role and achievements of women during the Second World War we're offering a range of discounts in our bookshop. I Only Joined For The Hat, a witty account of life as a WREN and Land Girl, a copy of the practical guide given to the volunteers of the Women's Land Army, are both only £8.99. Browse our online bookshop. Search other merchant seamen records online If you've discovered a seafaring ancestor in your family tree you may also be interested in our Merchant Navy medal cards from the First World War and the Second World War. Merchant shipping movement cards for the Second World War are also available and there's a handy guide to interpreting them, using the SS Athenia as an example. Search the records now*. Have you explored our new Discovery service? We want to know what you think of our new Discovery service.  Tweet us using #tnadiscovery. Save the date! On 14 April 2012 we will be holding a one-day conference about RMS Titanic. Online booking will open later in September, check our website for details or look out for more information in next month's enewsletter. What's on at Kew We hold free talks every Thursday afternoon. This month's talks include: Untold story of women in the Crimea War Births, marriages & deaths in The National Archives Listen online Our recommended podcasts this month are: Galaxy Zoo & Old Weather Merchant Navy Operational Records New intelligence from the Security Service 171 new files from MI5 have recently been released. They shed new light on double agents, espionage and the individuals being monitored during the Second World War and beyond. Read more online. Received this from a friend? Sign up here to get your own copy. Follow us on Twitter @UkNatArchives Become a fan on Facebook *Searching the records is free but a small charge applies to view full transcripts and download documents. You are receiving this email because you requested The National Archives' monthly enewsletter and other information we think might interest you. If you would like to remove your details please use the link below. We use an email distribution company to send out this enewsletter. We will not pass your data onto any other third parties. Please read our privacy statement for more information. Crown copyright 2011 The National Archives, Kew, Surrey, TW9 4DU, UK Unsubscribe from this newsletter

Fw: General Practice with Primary Healthcare - enews - September '11

Tweet

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Section of General Practice with Primary Healthcare <rsm@rsm.cccampaigns.net>
To: Dr Lewis <lewisfromoz@btinternet.com>
Sent: Wednesday, 7 September, 2011 16:11:05
Subject: General Practice with Primary Healthcare - enews - September '11

If you are unable to see this email, please click here.

	Section News and Events
	General Practice with Primary Healthcare
	September 2011
Dear Dr Lewis , In this issue: Message from the President and President Elect | Section meetings | Dates for your diary | Other meetings of interest | Prizes Message from the President and President Elect Dear Colleague, The beginning of a new academic year brings a change in the presidency of the Section and I shall be handing over to Dr Richard Gray on October 1st. I have enjoyed the last two years and would like to thank members of the Section and Council for their support. There are changes ahead in the way we deliver patient care and I am sure that Richard will provide the Section with strong leadership during this time of change. He brings to the presidency his experience of clinical practice, academia and his commitment to inter-professional learning. These are reflected in the programme he has planned for next year which he outlines below.   Margaret President Dear Colleague I would like to congratulate Professor Margaret Lloyd on her successful presidency and thank her for her invaluable contribution to the section during this time. I feel privileged to be taking over from her as president in October. Meanwhile we have been planning the academic programme for the next academic year and I would particularly like to bring to your attention to the next two section events:   Firstly, we invite you join us for our first study day of the academic year which is being held on 19/11/11 and is entitled  "Your future in commissioning". The day will be hosted by the general practice and primary care section of the RSM in association with the London Deanery. Whilst the day is designed to be useful for practice managers, GP registrars, and all GPs whatever their stage of professional development, it is specifically directed towards those who have little experience or knowledge of commissioning. We believe this will be a valuable and instructive day and as participant number will be limited, we would strongly encourage you to book a place as soon as possible.  Further details are included below. We look forward to welcoming you to our section study day in November.   Thank you,   Richard President Elect ................................................................................ Section meetings 31st Annual GP forum Monday 12 - Friday 16 September 2011 Organiser: General Practice with Primary Healthcare Section | Venue: RSM Ethics the coalface: A practical workshop exploring ethico-legal issues in primary care Monday 17 October 2011 Organiser: RCGP NWL Faculty in association with the General Practice with Primary Healthcare Section, RSM | Venue: The Royal College of General Practice, London Minor surgery course Wednesday - Thursday - 19-20 October 2011 Organiser: General Practice with Primary Healthcare Section | Venue: RSM Your future in commissioning Saturday 19 November 2011 Organiser: General Practice with Primary Healthcare Section in association with London Deanery | Venue: RSM Minor surgery course Thursday - Friday 24-25 November 2011 Organiser: General Practice with Primary Healthcare Section | Venue: RSM Cancer care; The GP, the patient and the oncologist Monday 23 January 2012 Organiser: Organised jointly by the Sections of Oncology and General Practice with Primary Health Care | Venue: RSM One for all or all for one: Primary Care ethics - solidarity or personal freedom Wednesday 1 February 2012 Organiser: A joint meeting organised by the General Practice with Primary Healthcare Section and Open Section, RSM in association with the Royal College of General Practitioners | Venue: RSM ................................................................................ Dates for your diary Minor surgery course Thursday - Friday 16-17 February 2012 Organiser: General Practice with Primary Healthcare Section The rights and risks of the elderly and 38th Albert Wander lecture Wednesday 4 April 2012 Organiser: A joint meeting organised by the General Practice with Primary Healthcare Section and Section of Geriatrics & Gerontology | Venue: RSM Minor surgery course Thursday - Friday 17-18 May 2012 Organiser: General Practice with Primary Healthcare Section Refugees and asylum seekers Wednesday 23 May 2012 Organiser: General Practice with Primary Healthcare Section | Venue: RSM 15th National registrars and new practitioners study day Wednesday 13 June 2012 Organiser: General Practice with Primary Healthcare Section | Venue: RSM John Fry lecture Wednesday 11 July 2012 Organiser: General Practice with Primary Healthcare Section | Venue: RSM 32nd Annual GP Forum Monday 10 - Friday 14 September 2012 Organiser: General Practice with Primary Healthcare Section | Venue: RSM  ................................................................................ Other meetings of interest Prognostic dilemmas and decision making in end of life care Thursday 22 September 2011 Organiser: Royal Society of Medicine and St Ann's Hospice | Venue: Renaissance Hotel, Manchester The INPiC consensus conference: Invasive neurodestructive procedures in cancer pain Monday 10 October 2011 Organiser: Joint meeting of the Palliative Care Section with The Marie Curie Palliative Care Institute Liverpool and the National Cancer Research Institute | Venue: RSM What's new in sleep medicine? Tuesday, 11 October 2011 Organiser: Occupational Medicine Section | Venue: RSM A century after John Hughlings Jackson: A historical symposium on the centennial of his death Organiser: Society Conferences Friday 14 October 2011 | Venue: National Hospital of Neurology & Neurosurgey, Queen Square Saturday 15 October 2011 at the Royal Society of Medicine Research methods and critical appraisal course Friday 14 October 2011 Organiser: RSM Trainees | Venue: RSM Acute care for older people: Old age medicine at the front door Monday 24 October 2011 Organiser: Geriatrics & Gerontology Section | Venue: RSM Drugs in the environment - Ecopharmacovigilance for better health Monday 31 October 2011 Organiser: Epidemiology & Public Health Section | Venue: RSM Specialty careers fair Friday 11 November 2011 Organiser: RSM Students | Venue: RSM The genetics of diabetes, metabolic and endocrine disease Monday 14 November 2011 Organiser: Endocrinology & Diabetes Section | Venue: RSM Safer doctors, safer patients: Improving care from the front-line.  Practical patient safety for students and trainees Monday 21 November 2011 Organiser: Patient Safety Section | Venue: RSM Sleep and mental health Wednesday 23 November 2011 Organiser: Joint meeting of the Sleep Medicine Section with the Mental Health Foundation | Venue: RSM ............................................................................... Prizes Young Medical Authors Prize Trainees committee prize Submission deadline: Friday 23 September 2011 Organiser: RSM Trainees Prize: £100 of book vouchers and signed copies of OHCM and Clinical Medicine. Safer doctors, safer patients: Dragon's den and poster prize Submission deadline: 20 October 2011 Organiser: RSM Patient Safety Section Prize: The winner in each category will win £100 and the overall winner will win a one year membership to the RSM ............................................................................... Please note that we require details of any dietary requirements and full payment to guarantee your place at least five working days before the meeting. Upon arrival at meetings all participants must register to collect their personalised name badge, programme and other related information.  ..................................................................................

To unsubscribe from ALL RSM emails, please click here.

Fw: Rheumatology Update from NEJM.org

Tweet

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: NEJM <alerts@nejm.org>
To: lewisfromoz@btinternet.com
Sent: Wednesday, 7 September, 2011 17:27:25
Subject: Rheumatology Update from NEJM.org

Update Rheumatology A Summary of Recent Published Activity PERSPECTIVE ONLINE FIRST Medical Devices — Balancing Regulation and Innovation G.D. Curfman and R.F. Redberg N Engl J Med, August 10, 2011 IMAGES IN CLINICAL MEDICINE Scleroderma M. Fernandes das Neves and S. Oliveira N Engl J Med 365:842, September 1, 2011 An Unusual Cause of Trigger Finger S.A. Chillag and S. Greenberg N Engl J Med 365:e14, August 18, 2011 Video CASE RECORDS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL Case 24-2011 — A 36-Year-Old Man with Headache, Memory Loss, and Confusion D.C. Bienfang and Others N Engl J Med 365:549, August 11, 2011 CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS OF BASIC RESEARCH Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and the Neutrophil X. Bosch N Engl J Med 365:758, August 25, 2011 More in Rheumatology >> MY NEJM Manage Alerts View Account Review Saved Items ALSO OF INTEREST Current Issue Most Viewed Most E-mailed Physicians Jobs RHEUMATOLOGIST | Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, US - Boston, Massachusetts RHEUMATOLOGY, CONNECTICUT | Confidential, US - Connecticut VA NORTHERN CALIFORNIA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM | VAMC Sacramento, CA, US - Northern California IMPROVING PEOPLE'S LIVES. INCLUDING YOUR OWN | Intermountain Healthcare, US - Utah More Physicians Jobs >> This e-mail was sent to: lewisfromoz@btinternet.com Unsubscribe from this alert or update your preferences at My NEJM Alerts. To ensure consistent delivery of NEJM e-mails, please add alerts@nejm.org to your Contacts or Address Book. The New England Journal of Medicine • 860 Winter Street • Waltham, MA 02451 • USA

Official Google Blog: A fall spring-clean

Tweet

Official Google Blog: A fall spring-clean