External contributors – Page 319
-
Comment
Sue Slipman on foundation trusts and the healthcheck ratings
'Having strengthened their financial management without comprising service quality, foundation trusts are now in a position to step up their investment in providing first class patient care'
-
Comment
Outspoken Wanless returns to judge a dream deferred
It comes as no surprise that Sir Derek Wanless believes that the promise laid out in his seminal 2002 report is becoming a dream deferred.
-
Comment
Emma Dent on the unhealthy English
'I knew that sales of Superkings are kept afloat by our friends in the North, but was hoping that, these days, the death rate would not differ so much from north to south.'
-
Comment
Tim Gilling on why scrutiny committees will become more important
'We should be encouraged by evidence that shows a collaborative, improvement-driven approach'
-
Comment
Robert Greene and Paul Ray on foundation finances
Patient choice presents particular challenges for foundation trusts, so good revenue forecasting is needed, say Robert Greene and Paul Ray
-
Comment
Cameron speech: Tories elbow their way to the front on independence agenda
'Strategic health authorities will be less happy with the inference that they will become a local arm of the Department of Health, much reduced in power.'
-
Comment
Comment: Win some and lose some - our verdict on the conferences
So as this year's party conferences recede over the horizon, who had a good or bad time of it?
-
Comment
David Woodhead on gardening for the mind
'She was clear that picking up a spade and plunging it into the ground enabled her to channel some of the anger she had felt the previous week at work.'
-
Comment
Hilary Thomas on talking about illness
'Two messages from old friends began 'What terrible news about your health' and 'Not good news!' and then switched subject in the next line'
-
Comment
Emma Dent on slim pickings
Overhearing 17-year-olds fixating on how much weight you can gain and still look 'normal' has made me distinctly uncomfortable of late
-
Comment
David Mobbs on health inequalities and the market
Nuffield Hospitals' David Mobbs argues that those who rail against the market stand to make health inequalities worse
-
Comment
Comment: Boards and charters are not simple politics-free fixes
'Without a link to elected people, the board would feel adrift and vulnerable.'
-
Comment
Your Humble Servant: washing your hands of it
‘Pathology will be exported to Belgium, mental health will now fall under the council’s community support officers and treated with ASBOs.’
-
Comment
Mike Cooke on mental health
'For mental health and related illness, problems and conditions one needs to be convinced about the who, what and why of the choices on offer.'
-
Comment
Health Hotel: Beverly Malone on reform debate
The Health Hotel, a grouping of 36 organisations, seeks to put health at the centre of the political agenda by stimulating debate and fresh ideas at the three main party conferences taking place in the coming weeks
-
Comment
Paul Cann on funding long-term care
Anyone who works closely with users of social care services cannot fail to be aware of the failings of the current funding system for long-term care. With an ageing population and crumbling care infrastructure, something needs to be done.
-
Comment
Stephen Thornton on fewer hospital errors
Safer hospitals mean better-protected patients, an engaged workforce and better clinical measurement. Safety improvements cannot be achieved without sustained local and clinical engagement.
-
Comment
Comment: Referrals must soar for ITCs to fulfill intended role
'Concerns will be increased by the fact that the second wave of ITCs will not, as previously indicated, be risk-free to commissioners.'
-
Comment
McKinsey bid: controversy but no scandal
'The suspicion will be that the people who shaped the market will profit from its creation'