It still takes courage to care
The Herald, 21 June 2020: I was an NHS doctor for over 25 years, and whilst I was never [technically speaking] a whistleblower, I always did my best to speak … Continue reading It still takes courage to care
Tag: Freedom to speak up
NHS Scotland: the vital importance of listening to staff concerns
I have just heard Jane Grant, the Chief Executive of Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board, interviewed on BBC Scotland. This was in relation to infection rates at The Royal … Continue reading NHS Scotland: the vital importance of listening to staff concerns
Whistleblowing in NHS Scotland
Like Sir Robert Francis, I prefer the term ‘Freedom to Speak Up‘ to “whistleblowing”. However the Scottish Government has chosen to stick with the latter. The first two films below … Continue reading Whistleblowing in NHS Scotland
National Suicide Prevention Strategy
Last month I wrote to the Lead for the National Suicide Prevention Strategy for England. The current lead, Professor Louis Appleby, has a prominent social media presence and naturally many … Continue reading National Suicide Prevention Strategy
‘Unlocking Power’
There was an interesting article about approaches taken to leadership roles in yesterday’s Guardian newspaper. The article was entitled “Unlocking Power”. On reading the article my mind returned to a … Continue reading ‘Unlocking Power’
Psychiatry Careers in Scotland
On the 14th June 2019 the Vice President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (who is also Chair of the Scottish Division) was involved in a #choosepsychiatry campaign called “Psychiatry … Continue reading Psychiatry Careers in Scotland
Putting patients first: that is all I have tried to do
In today’s Herald the following news article by Helen McArdle features along with her analysis below. A PSYCHIATRIST said he was “gaslighted” by his own professional body after openly criticising … Continue reading Putting patients first: that is all I have tried to do
Scotland needs to create space for all voices
Chrys Muirhead recently wrote a blog post “appealing for survivor voices to be welcomed and respected in Scottish mental health arenas”. I offered this short supportive reply: Dear Chrys, You are … Continue reading Scotland needs to create space for all voices
“The charmed inner circle of Official Scotland”
The following perspective by Professor Walter Humes makes concerning reading. I reproduce it here, in full, as unfortunately my experience of the inner circle of Official Scotland has been anything … Continue reading “The charmed inner circle of Official Scotland”
#followthefellows
Footnote: The two quotes about industrialisation and healthcare come from Intelligent Kindness by Ballat and Campling. The considerations on conferences are included in a this BMJ perspective This post … Continue reading #followthefellows
NHS Scotland – it should not take courage to care
On the 17th July 2017, the Scottish Government announced an “Enhanced service for NHS Scotland staff” The Scottish Government began this announcement stating that: “Staff in Scotland’s health service will … Continue reading NHS Scotland – it should not take courage to care
Lifeboat NHS
A film about freedom to speak up in NHS Scotland based on an edit of the evidence session of the Health and Sport Committee, Scottish Parliament, held on 13th June … Continue reading Lifeboat NHS