Editorial - July 2003
We are pleased to continue with this modified monthly Summer edition of the site.
The papers continue to provide much useful information and we have summarised some of the important stories.
Your editor has now heard from the Strategic Health Authority. He has also had an extended interview with Hugh Ross. Quite a lot is happening and we will report further in the August edition.
It is disappointing that both Bristol and Bath have again received no stars in the latest CHI assessment. This appears to be largely due to the financial shortfall. Indeed, the clinical results seem to be good. This continual harassment of the Acute Trusts is unhelpful to put it mildly. What does the government think this is doing to public and staff morale? Surely, they are aware that some really excellent clinical work is going on with some splendid new initiatives. It may be of some comfort to know that many people think that the star system is flawed and is likely to be counterproductive in its effects. This view was expressed by Julia Neuberger, Chief Executive of the Kings Fund (a non politician), writing in The Times on July 16.
Keep Smiling!
RLH. (Joint Editor)