External contributors – Page 326
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Comment
Comment: Boards and charters are not simple politics-free fixes
'Without a link to elected people, the board would feel adrift and vulnerable.'
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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.’
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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.'
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.'
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Comment
McKinsey bid: controversy but no scandal
'The suspicion will be that the people who shaped the market will profit from its creation'
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Comment
Comment: the HSJ50, an index of ideas and influence
'This is very deliberately a snapshot of influence, and already the sands are shifting'
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Comment
Comment: Confidence in achievement shines through from HSJ awards
'There is sometimes concern that being seen to celebrate success is akin to bad taste when there are so many pressures in the system and on individuals'
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Comment
Comment: Greater Manchester's health inequality woes resonate widely
'The Audit Commission report makes clear that reconfiguration 'is damaging the potential for more successful joint developments,' creating rifts and instability.'
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Comment
Why the NHS must wake up to the medical technology gap
If the UK is to match other advanced countries, major investment in technology is essential. But predicting real demand can be difficult. Joe Rafferty and colleagues may have the answer
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Comment
Andrew Jones on clinical management
A lack of understanding on either side only contributes to ludicrous meetings where the only obvious collective truth is self-preservation.
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Comment
Emma Dent on days off
'It's as if working in education, health or social care should be some kind of prolonged, low-level punishment rather than a fulfilling, rewarding experience.'
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Comment
Mike Cooke on mental health
'Cross-cutting government initiatives on respect, anti-social behaviour, mental health and social inclusion and incapacity benefit are all beginning to emerge.'
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Comment
Your Humble Servant: Cyborgs on order
'This was the latest shipment of cyborgs destined for NHS Direct, which included a model that could put over a thousand calls on hold per minute.'
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Comment
Comment: PCTs need certainty of consultations to innovate
'You cannot be certain of a consultation's outcome, however important to you, but that makes it all the more vital you are certain of the process.'
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Comment
Comment: Trusts feel squeeze from PCTs' tight grip
'Foundations should not be surprised if PCTs prove fierce negotiators this year. However, their complaint is about a lack of planning.'
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Comment
Hilary Thomas on clinical management
'My unwanted effects present a long, weary list of moans. These demonstrate just how much my uncomplaining patients have been through'