The NHS

[inbetween]

Probably because the information was not processed in time or at all. The NHS is under-managed which leads to administrative failure.

Why would you tell someone something though and then not do it or at least take ownership of it when somebody's life is potentially at risk? I'd understand if the computer wasn't working or whatever but then is it really so difficult to pick up a phone? This is human error or even negligence, it isn't an administrative failure.

Everything in the NHS is just accepted for what it is and because we can't be bothered to solve problems the solution is always to just throw more money at it. Or we just create more administration where even more things can fail.

 

[BobKowalski]

We’d hope they do but the reality is they don’t do their best mate. At an individual staff level most do (not all) but institutionally it’s a joke. I know of examples between my two local hospitals where there is resistance to align paperwork let alone computer systems. Then you overlay the community services who use whatever system they decided on. An example I know of is one of the community services that serves the same patients as the acute trust use different systems but the community use the same system as they do in the trust next door. It’s bonkers but it gets worse, information is re-keyed manually between systems even within the same hospitals because IT is a joke - I know this because Mrs MB has to do it for her patients. This is the reality many staff face on a daily basis.

The NHS does amazing things but it’s also riddled with a culture of nepotism, dick waving, and bullying that stops real change. The NHS isn’t even poorly funded per-se with some parts of the system having money to burn (and boy do they burn it) and other parts being cash strapped. Or at the very least until it sorts out its funding disparities it’s hard to see how much more it needs.

So, basically it’s administration and management issues. I feel like we are slowly finding our way to the main problem here.

 

[BobKowalski]

Why would you tell someone something though and then not do it or at least take ownership of it when somebody's life is potentially at risk? I'd understand if the computer wasn't working or whatever but then is it really so difficult to pick up a phone? This is human error or even negligence, it isn't an administrative failure.

Everything in the NHS is just accepted for what it is and because we can't be bothered to solve problems the solution is always to just throw more money at it. Or we just create more administration where even more things can fail.

The last few posts including yours have identified the issues as management and administrative failures rather than care or medical issues.

To solve these issues you need to employ sufficient/better managers and implement procedures to ensure information is processed quickly and efficiently both internally and externally. An organisation that is undermanaged will do none of these things.

You are all pointing out the problems. I’m just suggesting a solution.

 

[metalblue]

So, basically it’s administration and management issues. I feel like we are slowly finding our way to the main problem here.

Sadly not the case mate. In my specific example on refusing to share paperwork, it’s the service leads for a specific speciality (palliative care) from both hospitals - ie senior nurses and/or consultants. The service lead in the trust Mrs MB is at wanted to share to give patients seamless care should the end up being admitted at either hospital in an emergency, the service lead at the other trust refused. The patients suffer, palliative patients whom do not have the luxury of time I might add.

That is one example of one department in one hospital. There will be thousands of similar examples from up and down the country.

As I say the system is riddled with nepotism, dick waving and bullying throughout the different bands and roles. We are a million miles away from solving it. IIRC the government recently brought in legislation that would allow the DoH to enforce trusts to use specific systems - that speaks to the scale of just one part of the challenge.

 

[Alan Harper's Tash]

The biggest issue, as I’ve experienced about 15 times since the summer, is the lack of computer system that all healthcare professionals can access anywhere. Communication is therefore poor.

A doctor sending a letter to A&E won’t do much as they have their own triage system. If it was logged on his NHS number, there’d be more accountability and he could have had an advanced triage.

The doctors and nurses in A&E are utterly amazing. Having been in resus a few times, my mind is blown at how fast and efficient they are under immense pressure and not enough staff.

These people need a modern system that can keep up with them, not slow them down.

Also, IV meds should be given in the community. That’d free up a lot of beds filled by geriatrics in infection cycles.

I’d also employ staff to be liaison officers in A&E to tell patients and families accurate information about timescales to manage expectations better and reduce frustration.

 

[philiph20]

So, basically it’s administration and management issues. I feel like we are slowly finding our way to the main problem here.

I work in the NHS and i can't disagree, the management and admin side of things is farcical, i'm all for calling out this wretched government for their part in it's demise but the standard of management is beyond the pale, nepotism, bullying,a failure to change and dummies promoted beyond their ability are part and parcel of everyday life, it's quite simply embarrassing to witness but they are never held to account and the place where i work is stagnant and toxic i'm sad to say.

 

[Blue Maverick]

I work in the NHS and i can't disagree, the management and admin side of things is farcical, i'm all for calling out this wretched government for their part in it's demise but the standard of management is beyond the pale, nepotism, bullying,a failure to change and dummies promoted beyond their ability are part and parcel of everyday life, it's quite simply embarrassing to witness but they are never held to account and the place where i work is stagnant and toxic i'm sad to say.

Mate that’s most of the public sector, I found that rather than get rid of people they moved them sideways and then quietly promoted them out of the way, would you believe every single officer involved in the Manchester Arena farce in the fire service subsequently had this happen, absolute joke.

 

[Rascal]

After reading the last few pages of this thread, here is something I have been involved in at Innovation Health Manchester. It is called the GM care record, there is a short video you can watch by clicking the link below.

Home - GM Care Record

The Greater Manchester Care Record is a vital resource for the city-region’s 2.8m citizens, helping to improve health and care services and save lives.

gmwearebettertogether.com

 

[Rascal]

GM’s Secure Data Environment (SDE) for Health and Care - Health Innovation Manchester

healthinnovationmanchester.com

Here is some follow up work on the project that is around research.

 

[blueinsa]

Labour announce they will get rid of waiting lists by working and operating on patients at nights and weekends.

Sounds good but where exactly do they find the staff to do this extra work? They say they will pay overtime. Already over worked and under staffed due to Tory cuts, I just don’t see how it’s possible in the short term and only a fully funded, fully staffed NHS will get waiting lists down.

They should announce plans on how they achieve that rather than some headline grabbing sound bite that most will see right through.