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Speak Out Opinion articles on a range of health management issues

Andrew Kirby

Andrew Kirby on how information can improve healthcare

In his draft Queen's Speech, prime minister Gordon Brown outlined a further round of performance targets for the NHS.
  • Published:25 June 2008 17:20
  • Author: Andrew Kirby

Edzard Ernst on alternative medicine

People must not confuse the perceived benefits of so-called alternative medicine with the medical facts. Claims made about such treatments should be more tightly regulated to protect patients from unscrupulous practitioners.
  • Published:25 June 2008 09:00
  • Author: Edzard Ernst

Sally Reynolds on unemployment and health

In Britain nearly one in five people of working age are disabled and almost half of them are currently unemployed.
  • Published:18 June 2008 09:00
  • Author: Sally Reynolds

David Baker on men's health

According to independent body the Men's Health Forum, too many men suffer unnecessary poor health and die too young from preventable causes.
  • Published:13 June 2008 09:00
  • Author: David Baker

Good Hope Hospital one year on

Last week the Department of Health announced a tough new performance regime that could see failing managers replaced with teams from the private sector or foundation trusts. Will anyone want to take on the risk of running a bankrupt business? Heart of England foundation trust chief executive Mark Goldman argues that the lessons from Good Hope Hospital could be applied in other troubled organisations
  • Published:11 June 2008 00:00
  • Author: Mark Goldman

Maggi Rose on clinical supervision

While NHS organisations often get caught up in documenting the benefits and justifying the expense of clinical supervision, the most important thing to keep sight of are the benefits to the people directly involved the process
  • Published:11 June 2008 09:00
  • Author: Maggi Rose

Steve Slack on why being gay is still bad for your health

Despite improvements in UK legislation protecting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, discrimination is still affecting the quality of health and social care this community receives.
  • Published:04 June 2008 09:00
  • Author: Steve Slack

Detailed care records - a closer look

Despite the perceived benefits of electronically linking a patient's medical records, significant barriers must be overcome before the plan becomes a reality, as Mary Hawking explains
  • Published:27 May 2008 09:00
  • Author: Mary Hawking

Paul Corrigan and Ben Page on PCT accountability

If public services really were owned by the public, accountability would always be at the core of their business. But since this is not the case, all public services must continuously review how they are held accountable.
  • Published:27 May 2008 09:00
  • Author: Paul Corrigan
  • Author: Ben Page

Denise Platt on making progress on AIDS

Since the National AIDS Trust was created 21 years ago, we have seen amazing developments in managing HIV and most people diagnosed with HIV in the UK can now look forward to a long life.
  • Published:21 May 2008 09:00
  • Author: Denise Platt