Are you happy?
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 reality of working in the NHS
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 on Strike (again).
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.
Challenging the system is hard
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.
Right to Die - Intention and Implementation
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?
Listening is hard (but it’s good to be heard)
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!
Four Yorkshiremen of the apocalypse
Was it really worse 30 years ago? Why despite many improvements in working lives, do we still have increasing stress and burnout?
Short and long term groups.
Both short and long term groups have value; Doctors have to cope with frequent changes of groups.
A Doctors ‘Never Event’.
Higher exams are stressful, to be given the wrong result is unforgivable.
Still smouldering
A second look at the approach to burnout. Those approaching burnout - who are smouldering - need help now.
Can we afford the NHS?
NHS inflation explained with a personal example, and illustrated by my father who received none of the benefits of advanced Cardiac care in his lifetime.
Its cold outside!
Its cold and its very busy in the NHS, even more than usual. Our staff are under pressure and need supported; despite the business of the season we need to find time for Coaching, which is good for staff, patients, and the NHS generally
And the winner of Strictly Come Dancing is …
What is productivity in the NHS? Why has it reduced? Re-engaging and motivating staff will help to recover productivity to pre-Covid levels, and Coaching will help.
More money for a more productive NHS?
What is productivity in the NHS? Why has it reduced? Re-engaging and motivating staff will help to recover productivity to pre-Covid levels, and Coaching will help.
Is Bad coaching better than No Coaching?
We have many staff in the NHS trained to be health and Wellbeing coaches. But is their training good enough, and do in-house coaches offer the perception of confidentiality that senior Clinical and Managerial staff need?
Too much stick, not enough carrot?
League tables are not the answer to NHS improvement - indeed they may make improvement more difficult.
Anecdotes and Data
Social media posts can have a negative effect on staff and patients. A plea to be more Digitally Literate.
The NHS: More money but work harder
NHS: More money but we all have to work harder. Are we able to do it?