Over the last few years I think I have arrived at many conclusions about the state of the NHS. The juniors become less skilled each year, the seniors become more stressed and frustrated each year, and the day-to-day challenges remain the same. The BMA remains useless, the GMC is worse than useless, and doctors are either too fatigued or too self-interested as a group to change the system.
What has evolved and changed, though, is my ability to work in this system. I have realised that making small (achievable) changes that have a direct impact on the care of my patients is extremely satisfying and acts as a buffer between the hopeless inadequacies of the system and my mental well-being.
When David Cameron is elected next year we will inevitably move towards a more privatised system. Whether this is right or wrong will undoubtedly provoke a healthy debate. Do I think healthcare should be a basic right for all UK citizens? Yes. Do I think people should have to pay a small fee to see their GP? Yes. Do I think people should have to pay a small fee to attend A+E? Yes. Should IVF be free on the NHS? No. Should the NHS have to pay for all new treatments for all patients with cancer, whatever the cost? Pass. It's clearly a complex issue. I can't wait for the new Secretary of State for Health to come up with a barrage of white papers and a multitude of changes just to stamp their individuality on the post. In the meantime, we'll all just get on with it.
What has evolved and changed, though, is my ability to work in this system. I have realised that making small (achievable) changes that have a direct impact on the care of my patients is extremely satisfying and acts as a buffer between the hopeless inadequacies of the system and my mental well-being.
When David Cameron is elected next year we will inevitably move towards a more privatised system. Whether this is right or wrong will undoubtedly provoke a healthy debate. Do I think healthcare should be a basic right for all UK citizens? Yes. Do I think people should have to pay a small fee to see their GP? Yes. Do I think people should have to pay a small fee to attend A+E? Yes. Should IVF be free on the NHS? No. Should the NHS have to pay for all new treatments for all patients with cancer, whatever the cost? Pass. It's clearly a complex issue. I can't wait for the new Secretary of State for Health to come up with a barrage of white papers and a multitude of changes just to stamp their individuality on the post. In the meantime, we'll all just get on with it.
No comments:
Post a Comment