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This is the NHS: live from the frontline at St George's hospital in south London This is the NHS: live from the frontline at St George's hospital in south London
(35 minutes later)
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A wonderful, personal tribute to the staff at St George’s hospital from one of our commenters, Benefic, whose daughter was treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.A wonderful, personal tribute to the staff at St George’s hospital from one of our commenters, Benefic, whose daughter was treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
St George's saved my then ten year old daughter's life in October 2014. She was rushed from our local hospital to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with a huge mass in her chest that was pushing on her windpipe - they reckoned at that point she had less than two days to live without serious medical intervention. She was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia the following morning and started on chemotherapy. She was in PICU for nearly two weeks before she was stable enough to move to the children's cancer ward upstairs. The teams on both PICU and Pinckney Ward were just capable and supportive. They didn't just care for my daughter, but for us as a family, from psychological support to a room at the Ronald Macdonald House (we were a long way from home). My daughter's care was then transferred across to the wonderful children's unit at The Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton and along with our exceptional local hospital, my daughter continues to make great progress. My daughter's leukaemia was so aggressive and her prognosis was so dreadful that she proceeded to a bone marrow transplant last March.St George's saved my then ten year old daughter's life in October 2014. She was rushed from our local hospital to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with a huge mass in her chest that was pushing on her windpipe - they reckoned at that point she had less than two days to live without serious medical intervention. She was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia the following morning and started on chemotherapy. She was in PICU for nearly two weeks before she was stable enough to move to the children's cancer ward upstairs. The teams on both PICU and Pinckney Ward were just capable and supportive. They didn't just care for my daughter, but for us as a family, from psychological support to a room at the Ronald Macdonald House (we were a long way from home). My daughter's care was then transferred across to the wonderful children's unit at The Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton and along with our exceptional local hospital, my daughter continues to make great progress. My daughter's leukaemia was so aggressive and her prognosis was so dreadful that she proceeded to a bone marrow transplant last March.
She's had, and I don't doubt will continue to have, absolutely first class care in all three hospitals. I've always been grateful to grow up with the NHS, but now I have no words left to express my gratitude to the amazing people that work in the NHS and the society that allows for this system to be in place. I hope that this unique, battle-weary yet exceptional institution continues to to be in place for more generations to come.She's had, and I don't doubt will continue to have, absolutely first class care in all three hospitals. I've always been grateful to grow up with the NHS, but now I have no words left to express my gratitude to the amazing people that work in the NHS and the society that allows for this system to be in place. I hope that this unique, battle-weary yet exceptional institution continues to to be in place for more generations to come.
3.23pm GMT3.23pm GMT
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Matthew Parkin, senior intensive care nurseMatthew Parkin, senior intensive care nurse
Jessica ElgotJessica Elgot
Matthew Parkin has one of the hospital’s toughest jobs. As a senior intensive care nurse on the cardiothoracic ward, he is with patients and families at some of the most distressing moments in their lives, just after major heart attacks or heart surgery.Matthew Parkin has one of the hospital’s toughest jobs. As a senior intensive care nurse on the cardiothoracic ward, he is with patients and families at some of the most distressing moments in their lives, just after major heart attacks or heart surgery.
Today all 18 beds in the dimly lit ward are full, apart from some that are earmarked for patients currently in surgery.Today all 18 beds in the dimly lit ward are full, apart from some that are earmarked for patients currently in surgery.
It’s in the name: it’s intense. I have met these people at some of the hardest times in their lives. I remember there was one young girl I met when I was on general intensive care, just after she was in a major car accident. There was something about her that really brought home to me how precious life is. You can be having fun with your friends, out having a great time and in a split second your whole life can change for ever, because of one decision, one accident. It’s in the name. It’s intense. I have met these people at some of the hardest times in their lives. I remember there was one young girl I met when I was on general intensive care just after she was in a major car accident. There was something about her that really brought home to me how precious life is. You can be having fun with your friends, out having a great time and in a split second your whole life can change forever, because of one decision, one accident.
His day shift starts just after 7am when he makes his first rounds to check on patients. “We do 12-hour shifts, seven days a week. I worked on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Health doesn’t wait for anyone. People think the hospital closes but we are here all the time.” Parkin’s day shift starts just after 7am when he makes his first rounds to check on patients. “We do 12-hour shifts, seven days a week. I worked on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Health doesn’t wait for anyone. People think the hospital closes, but we are here all the time.”
Parkin is a fierce believer in the NHS: “We treat everyone here: rich, poor, any race, any sex, and we don’t have to ask them to pay a bill. We are so lucky here in England to have that. Who knows what political changes there will be in the future but for now I really value that, it’s a wonderful thing.” He is a fierce believer in the NHS: “We treat everyone here: rich, poor, any race, any sex, and we don’t have to ask them to pay a bill. We are so lucky here in England to have that. Who knows what political changes there will be in the future, but for now I really value that, it’s a wonderful thing.”
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Mark SmithMark Smith
#ThisIsTheNHS isn’t the only hashtag worth following today. There has been a backlash against Dominic Lawson’s column in the Sunday Times that appeared to blame the current travails of the NHS on the rising number of female doctors.#ThisIsTheNHS isn’t the only hashtag worth following today. There has been a backlash against Dominic Lawson’s column in the Sunday Times that appeared to blame the current travails of the NHS on the rising number of female doctors.
@sarahwollaston What is your reaction to @thetimes blaming the troubles of the NHS on female docs? #likealadydoc pic.twitter.com/XaCoBZ7d91@sarahwollaston What is your reaction to @thetimes blaming the troubles of the NHS on female docs? #likealadydoc pic.twitter.com/XaCoBZ7d91
Lawson refers to the “the feminisation of medicine” and its impact on the NHS. He quotes Brian McKinstry, a former senior research fellow at the University of Edinburgh, who in 2008 said that “fewer women than men choose to work out of hours, and the increase in women doctors may have partly influenced the recent abandonment of out-of-hours work by general practitioners in the UK”.Lawson refers to the “the feminisation of medicine” and its impact on the NHS. He quotes Brian McKinstry, a former senior research fellow at the University of Edinburgh, who in 2008 said that “fewer women than men choose to work out of hours, and the increase in women doctors may have partly influenced the recent abandonment of out-of-hours work by general practitioners in the UK”.
Lawson goes on to argue:Lawson goes on to argue:
When you consider that it costs roughly £50,000 to bring each medical student up to the status of fully trained professional, it becomes obvious why governments have been reluctant, especially at a time of vast sector deficits, to increase the number of medical degrees to fill staffing shortfalls created by the swelling number of ‘part-time’ female doctors.When you consider that it costs roughly £50,000 to bring each medical student up to the status of fully trained professional, it becomes obvious why governments have been reluctant, especially at a time of vast sector deficits, to increase the number of medical degrees to fill staffing shortfalls created by the swelling number of ‘part-time’ female doctors.
In response, the hashtag #likealadydoc has sprung up to ridicule Lawson’s assumption that women turn up for a few hours, go to a nail bar over their lunchbreak and are all home in time to pick up the kids from the school gate.In response, the hashtag #likealadydoc has sprung up to ridicule Lawson’s assumption that women turn up for a few hours, go to a nail bar over their lunchbreak and are all home in time to pick up the kids from the school gate.
Dominic, does my tinsel look straight in this? No? That'll be the 30mins CPR I just did. #likealadydoc @thetimes pic.twitter.com/lZdkFBbwByDominic, does my tinsel look straight in this? No? That'll be the 30mins CPR I just did. #likealadydoc @thetimes pic.twitter.com/lZdkFBbwBy
I can scrub up 👉🏾 both the DISHES and for an OPERATION #likealadydoc @thetimes pic.twitter.com/CB8FAFnLgYI can scrub up 👉🏾 both the DISHES and for an OPERATION #likealadydoc @thetimes pic.twitter.com/CB8FAFnLgY
The Channel 4 News anchor Jon Snow even lent his support to the Twitter protest:The Channel 4 News anchor Jon Snow even lent his support to the Twitter protest:
@doctor_oxford wait till Dominic Lawson finds a woman doctor at his bedside - he may finds he needs her!@doctor_oxford wait till Dominic Lawson finds a woman doctor at his bedside - he may finds he needs her!
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The Guardian’s Scotland correspondent, Libby Brooks, has been tweeting in response to fears that our coverage will be England-centric.The Guardian’s Scotland correspondent, Libby Brooks, has been tweeting in response to fears that our coverage will be England-centric.
For readers asking about #ThisIsTheNHS, there will be plenty of reporting from Scotland by myself and @severincarrell in the coming weeksFor readers asking about #ThisIsTheNHS, there will be plenty of reporting from Scotland by myself and @severincarrell in the coming weeks
Indeed, our Scotland editor, Severin Carrell, has filed a special report from the most remote GP surgery in the UK, in Shetland, which will be launched tomorrow morning as part of our focus on GPs.Indeed, our Scotland editor, Severin Carrell, has filed a special report from the most remote GP surgery in the UK, in Shetland, which will be launched tomorrow morning as part of our focus on GPs.
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'I heard I was going into surgery and I was terrified''I heard I was going into surgery and I was terrified'
Jessica ElgotJessica Elgot
Two days before Christmas, Cassie took her horse out for a short ride. Four hours later she woke up in A&E after being airlifted to St George’s. She had fallen off her horse and broken her neck, damaging her spinal cord.Two days before Christmas, Cassie took her horse out for a short ride. Four hours later she woke up in A&E after being airlifted to St George’s. She had fallen off her horse and broken her neck, damaging her spinal cord.
It is the start of a long road to recovery for the once-active 26-year-old, who has no feeling in any of her body below her chest and is waiting to go to a spinal rehabilitation centre. “I remember very little about the first few hours,” she said. “I heard I was going into surgery, and I was terrified, though the doctor was very reassuring, I couldn’t really work out what had happened and what was going to happen to me.”It is the start of a long road to recovery for the once-active 26-year-old, who has no feeling in any of her body below her chest and is waiting to go to a spinal rehabilitation centre. “I remember very little about the first few hours,” she said. “I heard I was going into surgery, and I was terrified, though the doctor was very reassuring, I couldn’t really work out what had happened and what was going to happen to me.”
Since the surgery she has been closely monitored in the neuroscience unit, which can mean long and boring days in bed.Since the surgery she has been closely monitored in the neuroscience unit, which can mean long and boring days in bed.
“The staff know me now. They know I’m not a morning person, they let me sleep in. They adapt to what I need to do. There are times when I have been very low, not about any specific worry, but just generally having a hard day. And they are still there for me to talk to, to reassure me. To make it as easy as it can be, which isn’t easy.”“The staff know me now. They know I’m not a morning person, they let me sleep in. They adapt to what I need to do. There are times when I have been very low, not about any specific worry, but just generally having a hard day. And they are still there for me to talk to, to reassure me. To make it as easy as it can be, which isn’t easy.”
Cassie has had a stylus attached to her hand to help her write, and a phone that reads out messages from friends on a speaker so she doesn’t have to use the touchscreen. Food is her only complaint. “I don’t like the food. Others seem to disagree, but I don’t like it,” she said. “But my taste buds have changed. I used to live on tea, but now I don’t like the taste at all.”Cassie has had a stylus attached to her hand to help her write, and a phone that reads out messages from friends on a speaker so she doesn’t have to use the touchscreen. Food is her only complaint. “I don’t like the food. Others seem to disagree, but I don’t like it,” she said. “But my taste buds have changed. I used to live on tea, but now I don’t like the taste at all.”
“I bring in hot dinners for her,” says Cassie’s mother Brewer, who comes in every day from Reading to be by her daughter’s bedside. “It has been absolute hell, there is no word for it. But I have to say, from the moment we got in the air ambulance we have been looked after. And there’s no need for them to look after us. We’re the family, not the patient, but nothing is too much trouble. It is very, very hard for us too.”“I bring in hot dinners for her,” says Cassie’s mother Brewer, who comes in every day from Reading to be by her daughter’s bedside. “It has been absolute hell, there is no word for it. But I have to say, from the moment we got in the air ambulance we have been looked after. And there’s no need for them to look after us. We’re the family, not the patient, but nothing is too much trouble. It is very, very hard for us too.”
“I can’t do anything for myself,” Cassie said. “It is awkward, of course, when they clean me or change me, but that has to happen, so they don’t make me feel bad about it. It’s done with dignity, that’s all you can ask for.”“I can’t do anything for myself,” Cassie said. “It is awkward, of course, when they clean me or change me, but that has to happen, so they don’t make me feel bad about it. It’s done with dignity, that’s all you can ask for.”
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'I should never have made it out of my car alive''I should never have made it out of my car alive'
The latest article in our “The NHS saved my life” series features a junior doctor who became a patient after a terrible car crash caused by black ice. You can see the severity of the crash from the picture below.The latest article in our “The NHS saved my life” series features a junior doctor who became a patient after a terrible car crash caused by black ice. You can see the severity of the crash from the picture below.
My car skidded on black ice, swerved 180 degrees, hit the opposite kerb, went down a ditch and hit a tree. An off-duty paramedic saw what happened and got the emergency services to me really quickly. I’m told there were three fire engines, two ambulances and a helicopter at the scene.My car skidded on black ice, swerved 180 degrees, hit the opposite kerb, went down a ditch and hit a tree. An off-duty paramedic saw what happened and got the emergency services to me really quickly. I’m told there were three fire engines, two ambulances and a helicopter at the scene.
Related: The day the NHS saved my life: I should never have made it out of my car aliveRelated: The day the NHS saved my life: I should never have made it out of my car alive
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My colleague Matthew Holmes has been compiling some of our readers’ experiences as patients that have been submitted through GuardianWitness.My colleague Matthew Holmes has been compiling some of our readers’ experiences as patients that have been submitted through GuardianWitness.
Dylan Roberts says he is forever grateful to the NHS doctors who saved him from cancer after he was rushed to hospital on a bank holiday:Dylan Roberts says he is forever grateful to the NHS doctors who saved him from cancer after he was rushed to hospital on a bank holiday:
I was told eight weeks after my operation that my appendix had been analysed and an aggressive tumour had been discovered, 0.2mm away from the point it had ruptured. Although the tumour was technically removed I was referred to a specialist consultant at the Western General, in Edinburgh.I was told eight weeks after my operation that my appendix had been analysed and an aggressive tumour had been discovered, 0.2mm away from the point it had ruptured. Although the tumour was technically removed I was referred to a specialist consultant at the Western General, in Edinburgh.
It is such a body blow to be told you have cancer, but I felt at a loss as I had been told that I’d had cancer – but that the tumour was out of me. Good news, I thought! Never been so wrong in all my life …” (click here to continue reading)It is such a body blow to be told you have cancer, but I felt at a loss as I had been told that I’d had cancer – but that the tumour was out of me. Good news, I thought! Never been so wrong in all my life …” (click here to continue reading)
Reader “Waylay” has praised the care after a ruptured disc in his spine:Reader “Waylay” has praised the care after a ruptured disc in his spine:
The NHS saved my life, not with a heroic surgical intervention or a transplant or anything dramatic, but with continuing care that was some of the best in the world. My pain was cut in half by various interventions, medicine, and expert physiotherapy, and my mobility is now much better.The NHS saved my life, not with a heroic surgical intervention or a transplant or anything dramatic, but with continuing care that was some of the best in the world. My pain was cut in half by various interventions, medicine, and expert physiotherapy, and my mobility is now much better.
I will be disabled for the rest of my life, and I suffer from chronic pain, but thanks to the NHS, I function well enough to have a part-time job in research, a limited social life, a wonderful relationship, good friends, and the chance to continue to improve.”I will be disabled for the rest of my life, and I suffer from chronic pain, but thanks to the NHS, I function well enough to have a part-time job in research, a limited social life, a wonderful relationship, good friends, and the chance to continue to improve.”
Whether you’re patient or a health worker, or if you or someone in your family has been affected by the issues raised in our journalism, we want to hear from you. Share your stories in the comments or via GuardianWitness.Whether you’re patient or a health worker, or if you or someone in your family has been affected by the issues raised in our journalism, we want to hear from you. Share your stories in the comments or via GuardianWitness.
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at 4.28pm GMTat 4.28pm GMT
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10 truths about the NHS10 truths about the NHS
Mark SmithMark Smith
Did you know that the respected US health thinktank the Commonwealth Fund ranked the UK top of the pile in its most recent study of healthcare in 11 rich countries?Did you know that the respected US health thinktank the Commonwealth Fund ranked the UK top of the pile in its most recent study of healthcare in 11 rich countries?
The UK came out best in eight of the 11 areas studied, including safety and effectiveness of care and for overall efficient use of resources. It came only 10th out of 11, however, for health outcomes and overall death rates.The UK came out best in eight of the 11 areas studied, including safety and effectiveness of care and for overall efficient use of resources. It came only 10th out of 11, however, for health outcomes and overall death rates.
For more tabloid-headline-busting facts and figures, read our data-focused piece that’s just launched.For more tabloid-headline-busting facts and figures, read our data-focused piece that’s just launched.
Related: 10 truths about Britain's health serviceRelated: 10 truths about Britain's health service
One commenter, Virverax, has raised the omission of relative GDP spending figures as a useful comparison of value for money between countries’ healthcare systems. This hasn’t been forgotten. Remember this is a month-long series, and we will be delving into every aspect of the NHS in depth over the next four weeks. Rest assured, though without giving too much away from a very important upcoming story, we will certainly be dealing with the GDP issue in some detail.One commenter, Virverax, has raised the omission of relative GDP spending figures as a useful comparison of value for money between countries’ healthcare systems. This hasn’t been forgotten. Remember this is a month-long series, and we will be delving into every aspect of the NHS in depth over the next four weeks. Rest assured, though without giving too much away from a very important upcoming story, we will certainly be dealing with the GDP issue in some detail.
In the meantime, one of the Guardian’s data journalists, George Arnett, has sent this clarification:In the meantime, one of the Guardian’s data journalists, George Arnett, has sent this clarification:
The latest OECD international comparison showed that the UK spent 8.5% of its GDP on health in 2013. This is marginally below the OECD average of 8.9% and considerably less than France (10.9%), Germany (11%) and the US (16.4%). Countries who spend proportionately less on healthcare than Britain include Hungary (7.4%), Poland (6.4%) and Turkey (5.1%).The latest OECD international comparison showed that the UK spent 8.5% of its GDP on health in 2013. This is marginally below the OECD average of 8.9% and considerably less than France (10.9%), Germany (11%) and the US (16.4%). Countries who spend proportionately less on healthcare than Britain include Hungary (7.4%), Poland (6.4%) and Turkey (5.1%).
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My colleague Phillip Inman, the Guardian’s economics correspondent, has some personal experience of St George’s that offers a nuanced assessment. The core treatment was of high quality, but associated care and staffing levels showed the strain. There also seemed to be a problem with gravy.My colleague Phillip Inman, the Guardian’s economics correspondent, has some personal experience of St George’s that offers a nuanced assessment. The core treatment was of high quality, but associated care and staffing levels showed the strain. There also seemed to be a problem with gravy.
My mother-in-law is in an acute ward at St George’s after suffering a deterioration in her heart condition. She was an emergency admission and in many ways has had the best care possible. But it was obvious there was a chronic shortage of nurses, which coincidentally the South London Press highlighted in its front page story last week. They were clearly exhausted from running between patients.My mother-in-law is in an acute ward at St George’s after suffering a deterioration in her heart condition. She was an emergency admission and in many ways has had the best care possible. But it was obvious there was a chronic shortage of nurses, which coincidentally the South London Press highlighted in its front page story last week. They were clearly exhausted from running between patients.
On the ward, doctors visit her at random times, making it impossible for close family members to communicate and find out first-hand how the treatment is progressing.On the ward, doctors visit her at random times, making it impossible for close family members to communicate and find out first-hand how the treatment is progressing.
The hospital food was not to my mother-in-law’s liking because it was always smothered in gravy. It took two weeks before the meals provider presented her with food minus gravy. In the meantime we have brought food, but it is clear that her situation has improved since she began eating the hospital food at more regular intervals.The hospital food was not to my mother-in-law’s liking because it was always smothered in gravy. It took two weeks before the meals provider presented her with food minus gravy. In the meantime we have brought food, but it is clear that her situation has improved since she began eating the hospital food at more regular intervals.
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at 1.33pm GMTat 1.33pm GMT
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Scotland's chief nurse criticised for blog about 'rude, skiving' nursesScotland's chief nurse criticised for blog about 'rude, skiving' nurses
Severin CarrellSeverin Carrell
Scotland’s chief nursing officer, Fiona McQueen, has suggested there is still a problem with a small number of rude or dismissive nurses in Scottish hospitals, one of whom she quotes as telling an apparently incontinent patient they risked being called “pishy pants”.Scotland’s chief nursing officer, Fiona McQueen, has suggested there is still a problem with a small number of rude or dismissive nurses in Scottish hospitals, one of whom she quotes as telling an apparently incontinent patient they risked being called “pishy pants”.
In a blog, McQueen urged her colleagues to show “unconditional positive regard” for patients. An established blogger before taking over as the Scottish government’s official nursing adviser, McQueen noted that some nurses also put their tea breaks above patient care:In a blog, McQueen urged her colleagues to show “unconditional positive regard” for patients. An established blogger before taking over as the Scottish government’s official nursing adviser, McQueen noted that some nurses also put their tea breaks above patient care:
“I expect registered nurses to speak to all patients and their families with unconditional positive regard, and never again will a registered nurse say to a patient: ‘If you wet the bed we’ll call you pishy pants’.“I expect registered nurses to speak to all patients and their families with unconditional positive regard, and never again will a registered nurse say to a patient: ‘If you wet the bed we’ll call you pishy pants’.
“At all times I want nurses and midwives to put their patients first. No skipping off for a break when relatives need to speak to you, or worse when patients should be having their meals served.“At all times I want nurses and midwives to put their patients first. No skipping off for a break when relatives need to speak to you, or worse when patients should be having their meals served.
“But also, nurses in leadership roles need to ensure nurses are working within an environment where there are enough nurses to deliver care safely and effectively.”“But also, nurses in leadership roles need to ensure nurses are working within an environment where there are enough nurses to deliver care safely and effectively.”
Her remarks have provoked criticism from union officials, the Herald reports. It quotes Gordon McKay, a registered nurse and chair of Unison for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, as saying: “I am both saddened and disappointed by the comments from Scotland’s most senior nurse.Her remarks have provoked criticism from union officials, the Herald reports. It quotes Gordon McKay, a registered nurse and chair of Unison for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, as saying: “I am both saddened and disappointed by the comments from Scotland’s most senior nurse.
“My experience is that nurses work unpaid, way beyond their contracted hours to provide world class care rather than ‘nipping off for breaks’, as is claimed, and that nurses speak to patients and relatives with the greatest of respect and kindness rather than the way Mrs McQueen suggests.”“My experience is that nurses work unpaid, way beyond their contracted hours to provide world class care rather than ‘nipping off for breaks’, as is claimed, and that nurses speak to patients and relatives with the greatest of respect and kindness rather than the way Mrs McQueen suggests.”
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At the clinical research centre: 'The doctor told us that Evie is deaf in one ear'At the clinical research centre: 'The doctor told us that Evie is deaf in one ear'
Jessica ElgotJessica Elgot
In St George’s clinical research centre, three-year-old Evie Taws is here for her first appointment with a genetic counsellor. She and her parents Kelly and Craig Taws, who have travelled from Emsworth in Hampshire to south London to see specialists, have been seeing doctors since Evie was seven months old, because of a range of symptoms which clinicians now believe has a genetic root.In St George’s clinical research centre, three-year-old Evie Taws is here for her first appointment with a genetic counsellor. She and her parents Kelly and Craig Taws, who have travelled from Emsworth in Hampshire to south London to see specialists, have been seeing doctors since Evie was seven months old, because of a range of symptoms which clinicians now believe has a genetic root.
All three will have blood tests today, to have their genetic makeup analysed. “It’s important for us to get a diagnosis so we can be prepared. We don’t want anymore uncertainties,” Kelly says. “We were at the doctor’s recently and we were told that Evie is deaf in one ear. She could go deaf in the other, but we just don’t know. And it was a surprise to be told that.All three will have blood tests today, to have their genetic makeup analysed. “It’s important for us to get a diagnosis so we can be prepared. We don’t want anymore uncertainties,” Kelly says. “We were at the doctor’s recently and we were told that Evie is deaf in one ear. She could go deaf in the other, but we just don’t know. And it was a surprise to be told that.
“If we get a genetic diagnosis, we can plan for the future, but we can also help other parents and children who might have the same symptoms, and the NHS would be able to recognise them.“If we get a genetic diagnosis, we can plan for the future, but we can also help other parents and children who might have the same symptoms, and the NHS would be able to recognise them.
“We were told we should have a conversation with her about deafness, what it means, so we asked her if she knew that she had a poorly ear, and she said ‘Yes, it’s this one’, and pointed to her right ear,” Kelly said. “She knew all along, she just had never thought to say. But we want to help her prepare, not only for her future, but for her future children, if she has any, and what that means for the genes she will pass on.”“We were told we should have a conversation with her about deafness, what it means, so we asked her if she knew that she had a poorly ear, and she said ‘Yes, it’s this one’, and pointed to her right ear,” Kelly said. “She knew all along, she just had never thought to say. But we want to help her prepare, not only for her future, but for her future children, if she has any, and what that means for the genes she will pass on.”
“Children are so resilient,’ says father Craig. “She just gets on with her life, she adapts.”“Children are so resilient,’ says father Craig. “She just gets on with her life, she adapts.”
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The secret 999 call operator's diary: 'I want to end my life, says a man'The secret 999 call operator's diary: 'I want to end my life, says a man'
Ever wondered what the job of a 999 call operator is really like? Find out with out the latest in our series of anonymous diaries from staff in key NHS roles.Ever wondered what the job of a 999 call operator is really like? Find out with out the latest in our series of anonymous diaries from staff in key NHS roles.
The anonymity we have granted to the diarists really helps them document their daily routines with stark honesty, and teases out some poignant moments – as well as an ample helping of tragicomedy. The gentleman with a toilet roll holder stuck up his bum, for example.The anonymity we have granted to the diarists really helps them document their daily routines with stark honesty, and teases out some poignant moments – as well as an ample helping of tragicomedy. The gentleman with a toilet roll holder stuck up his bum, for example.
Related: The secret 999 call operator's diary: I want to end my life, says a manRelated: The secret 999 call operator's diary: I want to end my life, says a man
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NHS chief calls for new political consensus on how to pay for elderly and social careNHS chief calls for new political consensus on how to pay for elderly and social care
We’ve just launched the second news story based on our exclusive interview with the NHS chief Simon Stevens, in which he urges to government to rescue social care services from a downward spiral of funding cuts.We’ve just launched the second news story based on our exclusive interview with the NHS chief Simon Stevens, in which he urges to government to rescue social care services from a downward spiral of funding cuts.
Stevens sets out a target date of 2018, the NHS’s 70th birthday, by which a funding revamp should be in place, and suggests the Tory government’s “triple lock” guarantee for pensioners could be pulled back to help meet the care crisis.Stevens sets out a target date of 2018, the NHS’s 70th birthday, by which a funding revamp should be in place, and suggests the Tory government’s “triple lock” guarantee for pensioners could be pulled back to help meet the care crisis.
This from Denis Campbell and Paul Johnson:This from Denis Campbell and Paul Johnson:
Britain urgently needs a new political consensus on paying for elderly and social care, and the funding debate should consider the value of pensions and homes, the boss of the NHS has said.Britain urgently needs a new political consensus on paying for elderly and social care, and the funding debate should consider the value of pensions and homes, the boss of the NHS has said.
Simon Stevens said one of the main questions in tackling the huge challenge of how to pay for and look after an ageing population was “intergenerational fairness”.Simon Stevens said one of the main questions in tackling the huge challenge of how to pay for and look after an ageing population was “intergenerational fairness”.
He wants the government to rescue social care services from their downward spiral of funding cuts and increasing unmet needs by reaching an agreement on how such care will be paid for by 2018, the NHS’s 70th birthday. NHS England’s chief executive fears the service will be unable to cope if the recent decline in help received by older people, especially in their own homes, continues increasing demand for medical care.He wants the government to rescue social care services from their downward spiral of funding cuts and increasing unmet needs by reaching an agreement on how such care will be paid for by 2018, the NHS’s 70th birthday. NHS England’s chief executive fears the service will be unable to cope if the recent decline in help received by older people, especially in their own homes, continues increasing demand for medical care.
Without urgent attention being given to the “pressing” issue of social care, there will be a big impact on hospitals, GP surgeries and community health services, he said.Without urgent attention being given to the “pressing” issue of social care, there will be a big impact on hospitals, GP surgeries and community health services, he said.
Even more older people will become trapped in hospital despite being fit to leave – a key reason hospitals run out of beds – and more operations will be cancelled unless ministers start seeing social care as a top priority, he said.Even more older people will become trapped in hospital despite being fit to leave – a key reason hospitals run out of beds – and more operations will be cancelled unless ministers start seeing social care as a top priority, he said.
Stevens believes David Cameron’s administration should look at all the options for finding the billions of pounds needed, including revisiting the “triple lock”, which guarantees Britain’s pensioners generous annual increases in their state pension until 2020.Stevens believes David Cameron’s administration should look at all the options for finding the billions of pounds needed, including revisiting the “triple lock”, which guarantees Britain’s pensioners generous annual increases in their state pension until 2020.
You can read Paul Johnson’s full interview with Stevens here:You can read Paul Johnson’s full interview with Stevens here:
Related: Simon Stevens: trying to save the NHS from the mother of all messesRelated: Simon Stevens: trying to save the NHS from the mother of all messes
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Here’s another teaser for you from our NHS quiz. How well do you know the health service?Here’s another teaser for you from our NHS quiz. How well do you know the health service?
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Thanks all for your comments so far – some really good thoughts about the kinds of food hospitals should be offering. Here's a selection of comments:Thanks all for your comments so far – some really good thoughts about the kinds of food hospitals should be offering. Here's a selection of comments:
ShiteWeasel (great username btw), who works in an NHS trust, said: "It would be nice if trusts were expected to provide healthy options for staff and patients instead of taxing staff who sometimes have no other choice than to buy the already overpriced chocolate bars and fizzy drinks the hospital serves."ShiteWeasel (great username btw), who works in an NHS trust, said: "It would be nice if trusts were expected to provide healthy options for staff and patients instead of taxing staff who sometimes have no other choice than to buy the already overpriced chocolate bars and fizzy drinks the hospital serves."
Wightpaint says: "You don't have cigarette vending machines in hospitals or health centres, so why machines full of sugary snacks and drinks?"Wightpaint says: "You don't have cigarette vending machines in hospitals or health centres, so why machines full of sugary snacks and drinks?"
ID412032 says: "I've just spent a few days in hospital where the inpatients menus were full of sugary options. There was no fresh fruit available at breakfast or the evening meal, no plain yoghurts (all were 'fruit, that is sugar-added), there were only two salads allocated to a ward of about 50 people (so always crossed off the menu by the time they got just a little way down the ward) and no special arrangements for the diabetic patient in my bay, who was offered sugary 'sweets' at every meal."ID412032 says: "I've just spent a few days in hospital where the inpatients menus were full of sugary options. There was no fresh fruit available at breakfast or the evening meal, no plain yoghurts (all were 'fruit, that is sugar-added), there were only two salads allocated to a ward of about 50 people (so always crossed off the menu by the time they got just a little way down the ward) and no special arrangements for the diabetic patient in my bay, who was offered sugary 'sweets' at every meal."
Feel free to share your experiences of healthy/unhealthy hospital foods here in the comments. If you were in charge of hospital catering, what would you serve?Feel free to share your experiences of healthy/unhealthy hospital foods here in the comments. If you were in charge of hospital catering, what would you serve?
11.29am GMT11.29am GMT
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Tim Jones, neurosurgeonTim Jones, neurosurgeon
Jessica ElgotJessica Elgot
Neuroscience is one of the key specialities at St George’s, but what does it really take to be a brain surgeon? I’ve been speaking to Tim Jones, a consultant neurosurgeon who specialises in brain tumour surgery. Patients are awake throughout the procedure, which usually lasts about three hours but can take up to 10. Jones says he wanted to be a brain surgeon ever since his teens:Neuroscience is one of the key specialities at St George’s, but what does it really take to be a brain surgeon? I’ve been speaking to Tim Jones, a consultant neurosurgeon who specialises in brain tumour surgery. Patients are awake throughout the procedure, which usually lasts about three hours but can take up to 10. Jones says he wanted to be a brain surgeon ever since his teens:
No brain surgeon would ever pursue this just to be able to say ‘I’m a brain surgeon’. You have to really like a challenge and really like variety because it is one of the most varied pathologies you can do. It is very unpredictable because the brain has very little pattern.No brain surgeon would ever pursue this just to be able to say ‘I’m a brain surgeon’. You have to really like a challenge and really like variety because it is one of the most varied pathologies you can do. It is very unpredictable because the brain has very little pattern.
The area of the brain that controls certain functions in one person can be completely different to another. You can never say ‘there’s the centimetre that controls speech.’ No two tumours are ever the same, so research is much harder. It’s not like there are pattern predictors like with heart disease or diabetes where you can monitor hundreds of thousands of patients.The area of the brain that controls certain functions in one person can be completely different to another. You can never say ‘there’s the centimetre that controls speech.’ No two tumours are ever the same, so research is much harder. It’s not like there are pattern predictors like with heart disease or diabetes where you can monitor hundreds of thousands of patients.
One of the things Jones tries to gauge about his patients is which functions of the brain are the most important to them.One of the things Jones tries to gauge about his patients is which functions of the brain are the most important to them.
For a lawyer, that might be speech or their judgment. For a musician it might be dexterity. For an artist it could be vision. Every patient is different in what they want to know and what concerns them. As a surgeon it is difficult because you know that even if a surgery goes as well as it could be, there can be changes in a person after their brain is operated on. That doesn’t mean it has gone wrong, but it is something you have to prepare for.For a lawyer, that might be speech or their judgment. For a musician it might be dexterity. For an artist it could be vision. Every patient is different in what they want to know and what concerns them. As a surgeon it is difficult because you know that even if a surgery goes as well as it could be, there can be changes in a person after their brain is operated on. That doesn’t mean it has gone wrong, but it is something you have to prepare for.
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Bernard Kelly, senior sexual health adviserBernard Kelly, senior sexual health adviser
Jessica ElgotJessica Elgot
We’re now in the Courtyard clinic, St George’s sexual health clinic, which sees roughly 120 people a day, from routine contraception appointments and patients with STIs to victims of sexual abuse.We’re now in the Courtyard clinic, St George’s sexual health clinic, which sees roughly 120 people a day, from routine contraception appointments and patients with STIs to victims of sexual abuse.
Bernard Kelly, the clinical team lead, is interested not just in the modern challenges but also the history of the service. Public sexual health clinics have been around for 100 years and are older than the NHS itself.Bernard Kelly, the clinical team lead, is interested not just in the modern challenges but also the history of the service. Public sexual health clinics have been around for 100 years and are older than the NHS itself.
They were originally a response to the first world war. Soldiers were coming home and it was important not just to protect them, but the partners they might have back in the UK. It was about staying safe on the frontline and when you got home.They were originally a response to the first world war. Soldiers were coming home and it was important not just to protect them, but the partners they might have back in the UK. It was about staying safe on the frontline and when you got home.
The most modern challenge doctors and nurses here face is HIV, particularly among young gay men, many of whom are involved in London’s chemsex scene. “Obviously as a central London hospital that is prevalent. We meet a lot of people saying they feel they need to leave the city, even leave the country, because the scene has grown so much. They need to keep themselves away from it,” he says.The most modern challenge doctors and nurses here face is HIV, particularly among young gay men, many of whom are involved in London’s chemsex scene. “Obviously as a central London hospital that is prevalent. We meet a lot of people saying they feel they need to leave the city, even leave the country, because the scene has grown so much. They need to keep themselves away from it,” he says.
The other modern challenges are all about funding. Sexual health funding now comes from the local authority and is an ever-diminishing pot, not just for the clinic itself, but also for the other services medics want to refer patients to, such as rape survivor support or women’s shelters.The other modern challenges are all about funding. Sexual health funding now comes from the local authority and is an ever-diminishing pot, not just for the clinic itself, but also for the other services medics want to refer patients to, such as rape survivor support or women’s shelters.
We aren’t perfect now, but it is a holistic approach we use. What is at the root of why a patient might be returning with regular infections or as a victim of sexual assault? There is a real risk we could lose that, and in 10 years we will see that hit health services if we don’t address the underlying issues properly. And once we lose that approach, it’s really hard to get it back.We aren’t perfect now, but it is a holistic approach we use. What is at the root of why a patient might be returning with regular infections or as a victim of sexual assault? There is a real risk we could lose that, and in 10 years we will see that hit health services if we don’t address the underlying issues properly. And once we lose that approach, it’s really hard to get it back.
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10.51am GMT10.51am GMT
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Matthew WeaverMatthew Weaver
As mentioned earlier, my colleague Matthew Weaver has been looking into the NHS patient survey and has written this news story about changing attitudes to GP surgeries opening on Sundays.As mentioned earlier, my colleague Matthew Weaver has been looking into the NHS patient survey and has written this news story about changing attitudes to GP surgeries opening on Sundays.
Record numbers of patients in England are waiting more than a week to see their GPs, prompting the proportion of those backing Sunday opening for doctors’ surgeries to top 40% for the first time.Record numbers of patients in England are waiting more than a week to see their GPs, prompting the proportion of those backing Sunday opening for doctors’ surgeries to top 40% for the first time.
The NHS’s six-monthly patient survey shows that the majority are satisfied with their GPs and their access to them, but a growing minority report frustration in getting appointments.The NHS’s six-monthly patient survey shows that the majority are satisfied with their GPs and their access to them, but a growing minority report frustration in getting appointments.
The survey of more than 800,000 patients found that 11% were unable to get an appointment at all, and a record 18.1% had to wait a week or more after appointments were made to see their doctor.The survey of more than 800,000 patients found that 11% were unable to get an appointment at all, and a record 18.1% had to wait a week or more after appointments were made to see their doctor.
It also found that 25.8% found it difficult to get through to surgeries by phone, compared with 18.4% in June 2012.It also found that 25.8% found it difficult to get through to surgeries by phone, compared with 18.4% in June 2012.
The survey, which comes a week after the first round of a hospital junior doctors’ strike over weekend working, prompted Labour to claim that the government was struggling to offer patients a five-day-a-week NHS, let alone a seven-day one.The survey, which comes a week after the first round of a hospital junior doctors’ strike over weekend working, prompted Labour to claim that the government was struggling to offer patients a five-day-a-week NHS, let alone a seven-day one.
It found that 18.7% of patients said their GP surgery was not open at convenient times, an increase of three percentage points since June 2012.It found that 18.7% of patients said their GP surgery was not open at convenient times, an increase of three percentage points since June 2012.
It also found more support for GP surgeries opening outside normal working hours, with 41.6% backing Sunday opening, a sharp increase since 2012, when the figure was 31.7%.It also found more support for GP surgeries opening outside normal working hours, with 41.6% backing Sunday opening, a sharp increase since 2012, when the figure was 31.7%.
The shadow health secretary, Heidi Alexander, said the survey suggested millions more patients were struggling to get appointments.The shadow health secretary, Heidi Alexander, said the survey suggested millions more patients were struggling to get appointments.
She told the Telegraph: “Two elections ago, David Cameron promised to open GP surgeries seven days a week. But these figures show that in the last three years millions more patients have become unhappy with the opening hours of their local practice. Under the Tories patients are finding it harder to access the NHS five days a week, let alone seven.”She told the Telegraph: “Two elections ago, David Cameron promised to open GP surgeries seven days a week. But these figures show that in the last three years millions more patients have become unhappy with the opening hours of their local practice. Under the Tories patients are finding it harder to access the NHS five days a week, let alone seven.”
Doctors’ leaders said it was the government’s preoccupation with extending opening hours that was stretching the services.Doctors’ leaders said it was the government’s preoccupation with extending opening hours that was stretching the services.
Dr Maureen Baker, the chair of the Royal College of GPs (RCGP), said: “Access to GP services is very important, but prioritising extended opening hours over everything else can mean that the routine GP service will suffer and our patients could end up worse off.Dr Maureen Baker, the chair of the Royal College of GPs (RCGP), said: “Access to GP services is very important, but prioritising extended opening hours over everything else can mean that the routine GP service will suffer and our patients could end up worse off.
“Many practices are already offering extended opening hours but for the majority, with current resources, seven-day opening remains an aspiration. Putting pressure on family doctors who are already working themselves to the bone to deliver high-quality patient careis neither safe nor sustainable.“Many practices are already offering extended opening hours but for the majority, with current resources, seven-day opening remains an aspiration. Putting pressure on family doctors who are already working themselves to the bone to deliver high-quality patient careis neither safe nor sustainable.
“The RCGP is calling for general practice to receive 11% NHS budget and for thousands more GPs over the course of this parliament. Only then will general practice be able to provide more care and services for our patients whenever they need them, close to home, where care is most cost-effective and where our patients want it most.”“The RCGP is calling for general practice to receive 11% NHS budget and for thousands more GPs over the course of this parliament. Only then will general practice be able to provide more care and services for our patients whenever they need them, close to home, where care is most cost-effective and where our patients want it most.”
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10.22am GMT10.22am GMT
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Dagan Lonsdale, specialist intensive care registrarDagan Lonsdale, specialist intensive care registrar
Jessica ElgotJessica Elgot
Dr Dagan Lonsdale, one of the leading lights of the junior doctors campaign, is a registrar at St George’s working in intensive care and clinical pharmacology. He told me the story of the one patient that changed him – and it was one he couldn’t save:Dr Dagan Lonsdale, one of the leading lights of the junior doctors campaign, is a registrar at St George’s working in intensive care and clinical pharmacology. He told me the story of the one patient that changed him – and it was one he couldn’t save:
He was in his 90s, and had a huge tear in his aorta – a major blood vessel – and we just couldn’t do anything for him. But he was awake, alert and I sat with him, knowing that over the course of the afternoon, he was going to die.He was in his 90s, and had a huge tear in his aorta – a major blood vessel – and we just couldn’t do anything for him. But he was awake, alert and I sat with him, knowing that over the course of the afternoon, he was going to die.
And he told me the story of his whole life, he had this incredible life story. He understood he was at the end. And yes being there was a service to him, but he did a service to me. He taught me about death, and how it comes to all of that. And death will always be a part of what we do, the hardest part. When you can make someone better, when you work it out, that’s the best feeling.And he told me the story of his whole life, he had this incredible life story. He understood he was at the end. And yes being there was a service to him, but he did a service to me. He taught me about death, and how it comes to all of that. And death will always be a part of what we do, the hardest part. When you can make someone better, when you work it out, that’s the best feeling.
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