In the nursing home I now work in, we have airwave pressure mattresses for those deemed at risk from bedsores. Hospitals just ain't set up for the care of the elderly (as most of the patients who develop bedsores, invariably are) Other problems abound in the NHS. Meals are often brought to patients, only to be taken away an hour later, untouched. Either because the patient has difficulty eating, or simply because the patient was asleep, or the meal was placed too far away from the patient, to reach in the first place.
A lot of hospitals have what they call "Protected Mealtimes" where visitors are not allowed on the wards. These same visitors, could be helping patients at mealtimes, either practically, or by encouraging them to eat.
The NHS is all about targets and committees these days, rather than actual care. Nurses now have a mountain of paperwork per shift to complete. Nursing should be about putting the patients first, not filling in form after form.
It's often said in the NHS, "How many people does it take to change a lightbulb?"
You'd be surprised at the answer. The NHS, now needs a committee, to appoint another committee, to investigate that the lightbulb , does indeed need changing. They then need another committee, to investigate and report on the cost of lightbulbs from different suppliers. This committee in turn, need another committee, to investigate the H&S aspects of the changing of the lightbulb. Once this committee have reported to the other committee, then that committee have to report to the first committee, who then have to convene a special meeting to decide whether they can afford to replace the lightbulb. 6 weeks later (if it's been approved), the first committee reports to the second committee, to go ahead with the purchase of the lightbulb. They then re-convene once the lightbulb has been delivered and then report to the third committee, to ensure that all H&S procedures will be followed whilst changing the lightbulb. This committee then report back to the previous one with a written report stating that they are sure, all H&S policies will be adhered to.
A few weeks later the committee commissions a 97 page report, into their findings, leaving no stone unturned , in the quest to cover their own backs, and presents it to the very first committee, who then vote, to have an early lunch, whilst the electrician changes the lightbulb.
And that, my friends , is what is wrong with the NHS these days.
PS, our local NHS Trust, is now worried that they might have to make Managerial staff redundant, unless they cut down on costs. IF they weren't top heavy with managers, in the first place, they might be in a better position (but that's lost on them)/
PPS, If you needed an urgent operation, who would you want to decide whether you had that operation?
A man in a suit and tie (who has a degree in accountancy) OR
A doctor/ consultant who has a medical degree?
I Know which one I'd choose
