I think that is exactly what is intended. Our local hospital sees empty operating theatres, out-patient rooms, X-rays and scanners as wasted resources. They are already pushing for week-end clinics, ops and other appointments. There was a thread on here about someone who took their mum for a cataract op on a Saturday, but it couldnt be done because it required deeper sedation. So hospital managers will push for more and more facilities and back-up services. Eventually it will become like the shopping stores and supermarkets which are fully open 7 days a week and you dont get paid extra for working week-ends.Well....I don't think they are intending to add a full two days' work to the current five....at least I hope not!
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What is so wrong with that? I, for one applaud the intention behind this. I just hope it can be fulfilled and yes, we are right to be cautious and a bit cynical but to dismiss it out of hand it just unfair.I think that is exactly what is intended. Our local hospital sees empty operating theatres, out-patient rooms, X-rays and scanners as wasted resources. They are already pushing for week-end clinics, ops and other appointments. There was a thread on here about someone who took their mum for a cataract op on a Saturday, but it couldnt be done because it required deeper sedation. So hospital managers will push for more and more facilities and back-up services. Eventually it will become like the shopping stores and supermarkets which are fully open 7 days a week and you dont get paid extra for working week-ends.
A number of our local GPs also now have fewer surgery hours every week because they have to spend time running the CCGs since the last re-organisation. That doesn't help make them more available for patients either.
What is so wrong with that? I, for one applaud the intention behind this. I just hope it can be fulfilled and yes, we are right to be cautious and a bit cynical but to dismiss it out of hand it just unfair.
The idea that people don't need hospital care at weekends is farcical. Anyone who has spent time in A&E at weekends will know how desperate the situation is, as will anyone who is in hospital and needs to speak to someone who actually knows what's going on. That's if they are able to remain in hospital as many are discharged on a Friday to reduce the number of staff needed to work.
Hospitals are already open and working at weekends, so why not work more efficiently and effectively so that care given can be more consistent and of more value to those who need it.
There are 6 partners in our surgery and every one works part-time. Some do other lucative work, only one is invlolved with the CCG, but they obviously do not need to work any more hours than they choose to do. Recent governments have enhanced their working conditions. No evenings, no weekends and with these surely has to come less commitment.
The NHs is dying, something radical needs to be done. At least give them a chance.
To have a "seven-day" NHS needs more qualified staff. Not the same number of staff working different shift patterns. To factor in dementia care as well, doesn't bear thinking about.
The majority of nurses who have cared for my mother, are not from the UK.
The outcome of a referendum on Europe, plus any changes to laws on immigration will surely present a serious challenge for the NHS.
The current system is struggling to cope with an ageing population, an ageing population which includes a lot of NHS staff. When they retire, who is going to replace them?
That is all a given I know but doing nothing is going nowhere and soon the whole NHS will be lost.
All I am saying is that to dismiss any suggestion of trying to improve things is so very negative. It may not work but at least they are trying to find a solution.
This may not be the right one but it's better than sitting back and saying that nothing can be done. That won't help morale any.
That is all a given I know but doing nothing is going nowhere and soon the whole NHS will be lost.
All I am saying is that to dismiss any suggestion of trying to improve things is so very negative. It may not work but at least they are trying to find a solution.
This may not be the right one but it's better than sitting back and saying that nothing can be done. That won't help morale any.
You are right Saffie the NHS was started in 1948 and it must have taken a lot of work and changes to succeed, if it could be done then there should be a way it can be revolutionised now,
By the way I started a similar thread at the end of March
http://forum.alzheimers.org.uk/showthread.php?81160-This-sounds-a-way-forward-7-days-a-week-for-NHS