This article looks at happiness - it is something we all wish for in every area of life and work. For healthcare professionals the stresses of the job - high workload, poor staffing, overwhelming demand, lack of appreciation - will negatively affect workplace happiness. But there is also a hangover into personal wellbeing and happiness which further reduces happiness at work.

Healthcare Professionals must seek ways of dealing with these stresses, including speaking to an Executive Coach. Employers should make services available to improve the happiness of staff as this will also improve the quality of patient care.

The GMC Staff Survey and other NHS Data, paint a sad and worrying picture of today’s NHS. Staff are pressurised by rota gaps, poor training, reduced career progression and discriminatory behaviours from colleagues. Many are leaving the NHS - some to work abroad whilst some leave health care altogether. We must solve this staffing crisis if we are to deal with the long waiting times for patients and high levels of burnout for staff.

Resident Doctors have been on strike again. But has their message really landed with the public? It seems to be all about money and yet there are equallyb important non-pay areas that need to be addressed for the resolution of the current NHS crisis.

The Figueredo family campaigned for 10 years to find out who was responsible for their daughter Alice’s death, whilst under NHS care. They won a partial victory this week, but the financial, professional and personal toll has been enormous.

I salute those who challenge the system, at great personal cost. Many derive no individual benefit other than the knowledge that theur challenge has improved care for others.

The Terminally Ill Adulkts (End of Life) Bill is proceeding through Parliament and will probably become law shortly. But is there longevity in the safeguards or will the UK follow international experience and liberalise the laws further? Do disabled people have reason to fear its liberalisation and will the availability of Assisted dying lead to reduction in the quality of care for terminally ill and chronically sick people?

We were born with 2 ears but listening isn’t easy. We can be distracted by so many things. Being listened to is a gift and can change the way we think, organise our thoughts and plan our futures. Find someone who will listen to you and it might just change your life!

Was it really worse 30 years ago? Why despite many improvements in working lives, do we still have increasing stress and burnout?

Both short and long term groups have value; Doctors have to cope with frequent changes of groups.

Higher exams are stressful, to be given the wrong result is unforgivable.

Curiosity is the Coach’s secret weapon