Blair Mcpherson's Comments
Comment on: Chief executives are running scared
Chief Executives in the NHS have spoken of a climate of fear (Health Service Journal). I assume they are expressing anxiety about the pressure they feel under. The pressure of increased demands, the struggle to hit efficiency targets, the stress of maintaining care standards whilst cutting back posts and the challenge of delivering the governments reforms. It’s tough at the top. But here is another way of looking at it. If your team is stressed it’s your fault. You control the work, you provide the support and you manage the priorities. Likewise if there is a climate of fear then it is your job as a leader not to transmit that fear unless of course this is your preferred management style in which case you really can’t expect any sympathy. As a leader you should have the courage to speak out, to make clear the implications of budget cuts and changes to the way the NHS operates especially if this impacts on patient care. Chief executives may well be only too aware of the risks of speaking out, if they lose the confidence of the board or our considered not on message by politicians/the ministry of health, then it may adversely affect their career but you can’t claim to be a leader if you don’t have the courage of your convictions.
Comment on: The building blocks for integrated care
So just intergration of Health Services then no mention of Social Services!
Comment on: Fast-forward to quicker discharge
It is all to common for social services to get the blame for delayed discharges only for the reason to be found elsewhere.
Comment on: HSJ100 2012: Under 'Baron' Nicholson, a new health aristocracy takes shape
The wealthy powerful Barons in their castles who control our lives, the privileged lives of the knights who fight to impress the fair ladies. I know who the peasants are in this description of a medieval style NHS but who is the court jester?
Comment on: Hunt should remove workforce straitjackets
So pay them less and we will get better services. Has that ever worked before anywhere?
Comment on: How to make integration work
Acute Hospitals call the shots in the NHS. Acute hospitals are funded to tackle waiting lists and as such are preoccupied with ensuring beds are not blocked by elderly people. Local Authority Social Services are about supporting elderly people in their own homes. Both bodies are under extreme financial pressure and are subject to a range of performance targets. They are not the same targets. Hospitals see Social services as bed blockers and bit part players not equal partners. Social services see injustice in being accused as bed blockers and recognise Hospitals have no interest in community care other than to prevent in appropriate admissions. Oh yes there have been plenty of pilots, schemes and projects over the years but the fact that were still having this same debate 30 years on says it all. Whilst Acute Hospitals call the shots there will be no integration of health and social care.
Comment on: Let's find the political will to integrate care
Its the same tired old argument that integration of health and social care would reduce inappropriate hospital admissions and speed up discharges and so Acute Hospitals would not be constantly over spending their budget through no fault of their own. Integration is not the solution its just away of channelling more funds into the Acute Hospitals. Why would GP's and Commissioners want to see an even bigger share of the pot go into Acute Hospitals? Isn't it time we stopped looking at structural quick fixes?
Comment on: CQC chair must consider her position
How can a chair have confidence in a board member who makes their critisms so public and so personal?
Comment on: NHS needs new 'visionary' leadership style
Yes,but it's not just about managers with better leadership skills.
Comment on: Managers should work out of hours, says dignity report
Management is about promoting good practise and challenging bad practise. That's why the recommendation is for managers to be seen and seeing in the evenings and weekends not just 9 till 5 Monday to Friday.
