tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post6784891305036173547..comments2024-03-14T09:50:40.819+00:00Comments on Dr Grumble: A reader writesDr Grumblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417731064007601504noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-22403427970257275772012-05-03T05:32:15.946+01:002012-05-03T05:32:15.946+01:00I find this website very informative. A must bookm...I find this website very informative. A must bookmark for anyone wanting to know the secrets to getting Graduate entry medicine.<a href="http://www.themsag.com/graduate-entry-medicine/cat_1.html" rel="nofollow">Graduate entry medicine</a>Graduate entry medicinehttp://www.themsag.com/graduate-entry-medicine/cat_1.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-43263914596632992272011-05-19T17:14:56.541+01:002011-05-19T17:14:56.541+01:00I just wanted to let those know who have been post...I just wanted to let those know who have been posting on this thread that there is a video from the Keep the NHS Public march, which took place in London this Tuesday. There is a short speech from me, slightly cringy for me to watch, but I'm glad I did it non the less.<br /><br />Thank you for posting a link to the NHSCA on your website recently Dr Grumble. I emailed them and they have asked me to write a short piece for their newsletter next month. They have said they fully endorse our e-petition and campaign.<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tPnHUPJCtwRebshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10517278947791207433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-39882451353737658472011-05-10T18:50:00.592+01:002011-05-10T18:50:00.592+01:00Hi Anthony, thanks for sharing your story on Dr Gr...Hi Anthony, thanks for sharing your story on Dr Grumble's blog. <br /><br />Clearly, the removal of the NHS bursary to cover fees for Years 2-4, without access to a student loan will make it impossible for most graduate entrants.<br /><br />I have started an e-petition here:<br />http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/save-graduate-entry-medicine/<br /><br />I urge anyone who opposes the scrapping of the NHS fees bursary and agrees that graduates should have access to study a degree in medicine to sign it.Rebshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10517278947791207433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-69398233444255177652011-05-03T03:10:22.957+01:002011-05-03T03:10:22.957+01:00Cut is necessary, but it should never be at the ex...Cut is necessary, but it should never be at the expense of long term progress. Make cuts in departments that need cut. I, as a person, would greatly suffer, and probably give up on serving the country that I love, in the capacity that I aspire. For up to two years now, I have been volunteering my service for care homes and the NHS, and doing everything possible to make me a good doctor in the future (only if given the chance to study medicine). <br /><br />If the NHS withdraws tuition fee support (grant or loan), for graduate applicants, my years of toil would be in vain. I might as well give up hope for life. I am from a family background where no one ever had the opportunity to attend a University – so, I was the first to attend, and graduate from a university. It was not easy – I had to work most of the time to be able to meet the cost of my education. However, I do not think it is possible to work as I did before, if studying medicine; it requires a year round attention to studies. The possible thought of not being able to study medicine, despite my hard work and determination to serve, makes me feel like I am inferior to more privileged applicants. I would not be surprised if policy makers do not heed my plea – after all, if you have never been poor, it might be harder to understand what the poor have to put up with.<br /><br />If support is not provided to cover my fees, I am going to be devastated, but I would do whatever is necessary to realise my dream of becoming a doctor. I might even live the country, and never come back; or take a blind gamble at it, working and studying at the same time again, and accept whatever the outcome. <br /><br />The government should consider the experience and determination that graduates like me have to offer, and what the country stands to lose if we give up hope and trust. Yesterday, the 29th of April, 2011, I witnessed a global marriage ceremony, between Prince William and Kate Middleton (now the duke and duchess of Cambridge respectively), something struck a chord with me: That, this country is a great country, and we must not compromise our future by saving penny to lose a pound, because the world look up to us; and also, a commoner, given the chance to marry a prince, is only heard of in fairy tales – if this can happen, why am I being priced out of studying medicine?Anthony Udinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-88832831154301584602011-05-02T21:04:53.762+01:002011-05-02T21:04:53.762+01:00I know.
I am of Chinese ethnic origin but adopte...I know. <br /><br />I am of Chinese ethnic origin but adopted the British way. <br /><br />I do worry as when I first arrived in the UK in the early 70s, the top doctors wear Bow ties and were all white. I have nothing against any race being a minority myself.<br /><br />Now, my wife needed major surgery at a London Teaching hospital, her surgeon was Jewish, and all his Junior staff were Iranian, Indian sub continent and Chinese. Not a single white Caucasian in sight.<br /><br />What has happened? All working for RBS?<br /><br />Everything was on the NHS as her PPP from her previous employment would have meant that we have to pay 90%. Yes 90%. <br /><br />In Hong Kong, my colleagues would do it for free. <br /><br />I do not think David or Andrew care what we say. But then I do not care either.<br /><br />Keep going.Cockroach Catcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14440000294855006966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-27154886356319123742011-05-02T17:20:56.624+01:002011-05-02T17:20:56.624+01:00It wasn't my post that attracted all this inte...It wasn't my post that attracted all this interest. I was a little worried that Rebecca's plight might be ignored or that any comments would be unsympathetic but clearly the issue matters a lot to many people and the topic struck a few raw nerves.Dr Grumblehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02459592334604944530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-81033742931115280432011-05-02T14:47:46.794+01:002011-05-02T14:47:46.794+01:00You have gone viral!You have gone viral!Cockroach Catcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14440000294855006966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-89948682413890088972011-04-30T18:13:27.306+01:002011-04-30T18:13:27.306+01:00Spare a thought for those who have already qualifi...Spare a thought for those who have already qualified but cannot register because there are no jobs for them. It's looking OK for this year but I wouldn't count on it for the future:<br /><br />http://careers.bmj.com/careers/advice/view-article.html?id=20002743<br /><br />http://careers.bmj.com/careers/advice/view-article.html?id=20002742Dr Grumblehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04417731064007601504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-36428003908172719742011-04-30T08:51:42.973+01:002011-04-30T08:51:42.973+01:00Dr Grumble,
I am hoping to organise a group of g...Dr Grumble, <br /><br />I am hoping to organise a group of graduates to have a presence at the Save the NHS Demo on May 17th.<br /><br />Tuesday 17 May 5.30pm, University College Hospital, Gower St, WC1<br />6.00pm march to Department of Health, Whitehall<br /><br />More info at http://www.keepournhspublic.com <br /><br />I am coordinating our efforts via our open Facebook Group which is <br />Save Graduate Entry Medicine at<br />https://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_162471393813902&ap=1<br /><br />The younger generation won't just sit on our arses and let policy be changed without making our opinions heard! Our opinions matter too!Rebshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10517278947791207433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-76207783423172484992011-04-28T19:09:00.031+01:002011-04-28T19:09:00.031+01:00"By the way, Dr Phil Hammond tweeted my Doc t..."By the way, Dr Phil Hammond tweeted my Doc to Doc blog and the BMA have just posted asking for graduates to email in answers to four questions they've asked for case studies to submit to ministers. "<br /><br />You know what Rebs? You'r gonna be OK! In whatever you do! Keep it up and remember 'Where there is a will ..."<br /><br />I am not a Facebooker though so, all the best and please let us know how you get on, and thank you for the invitation to join:-)<br /><br />BTW, why not just e-mail SoS for Health direct? I think he's a nice man, he may well reply, maybe even favourably, you never know! ;-)<br /><br />Dr G<br /><br />"I was phoned last night by one of my F1 doctors. She should not have been at work. I wasn't on call. They (and I) do this all the time. I would be less inclined to want to do this for an organisation that was profiting from my good will."<br /><br />My 3 kids are working this weekend Dr G, youngest one on nights too! As they did last Christmas and 2 were working this easter! ... and more hours than they should fr free too, docs don't feel the hours when at work so they never say a word about it either! But 'Ma' thinks they should! Every young doctor that is not just my kids! ... of course, had they been working for somewhere private, they would have had a decent pay to start with and would've been paid for every minute extra. Te juniors are having it tough these days in the NHS Dr G, in every way! So, it's not too bad this Andrew Lansley Foundation Trust everywhere idea, for patients AND doctors, eh?<br /><br />... AND I DO NOT WANT TO SEE THE NHS FULLY PRIVATISED ... cross my heart and hope to die! <br /><br />NO AMERICAN SYSTEM FOR ENGLAND!<br /><br />... look what you're making me do Dr Grumble ... but I understand why Americanisation is not the way, thanks to you, the excellent CC and Wikipedia too<br /><br />And, I am sure those patients at your hospital will be just fine, as will your juniors ... enjoy if you can, or just listen to Rebs and put your feet up with a cuppa whenever you can ... and I'll keep an eye on that happy wedding for everybody, promise :-)Samhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09558370387772079822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-78445841077574081502011-04-28T17:36:57.843+01:002011-04-28T17:36:57.843+01:00Sadly, Rebecca, I have to do a ward round tomorrow...Sadly, Rebecca, I have to do a ward round tomorrow. The hospital never closes, the patients keep on coming and there may be more people in London than usual. The support we need in the community to take our discharged patients disappears during holiday periods and this royal wedding with yet another 4 day weekend is proving a perfect pest for us.<br /><br />Our managers have recently starting panicking about this problem to the extent that they did at one stage try to claim that the public holiday did not apply to hospital staff. They are not really interested in patient care just potential bed problems. They have cut the beds so much they are worried about a real crisis. Dr Grumble anticipated the potential difficulties as long ago as last year:<br /><br />http://drgrumble.blogspot.com/2010/12/off-with-their-heads.html<br /><br />Interestingly Sam commented on this post and pointed out the number of unpaid hours juniors work and their poor pay. This is the NHS that she thinks could be made more efficient by privatisation. I was phoned last night by one of my F1 doctors. She should not have been at work. I wasn't on call. They (and I) do this all the time. I would be less inclined to want to do this for an organisation that was profiting from my good will.<br /><br />Dr Grumble has some wonderful young doctors working for him at the moment.<br /><br />We need to be very wary of getting rid of the NHS and the good will it runs on.Dr Grumblehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04417731064007601504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-28390179760050283822011-04-28T16:49:49.731+01:002011-04-28T16:49:49.731+01:00ha ha, take it easy Dr Grumble, feet up, cup of te...ha ha, take it easy Dr Grumble, feet up, cup of tea and all of that. It's a bank holiday isn't it? :)<br /><br />By the way, Dr Phil Hammond tweeted my Doc to Doc blog and the BMA have just posted asking for graduates to email in answers to four questions they've asked for case studies to submit to ministers.Rebshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10517278947791207433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-471737270434346942011-04-28T16:45:44.622+01:002011-04-28T16:45:44.622+01:00This comment has been removed by the author.Rebshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10517278947791207433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-14865019761272516032011-04-28T16:21:36.443+01:002011-04-28T16:21:36.443+01:00If I have the strength I may attempt a post explai...If I have the strength I may attempt a post explaining why markets are just not the way to deliver cost-effective healthcare.Dr Grumblehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02459592334604944530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-71874436380578361292011-04-28T13:43:04.522+01:002011-04-28T13:43:04.522+01:00Dear Dr Grumble,
Please spell it out, we would b...Dear Dr Grumble, <br /><br />Please spell it out, we would be very interested.<br /><br />Sam, thanks for the links. I have contacted Mathew Shaw and also Julie Moore, who is heading the Future Forum on Education. Julie has said she will bring it up in one of the sessions.<br /><br />For your information I have set up a Facebook Group to oppose the potential GEM cuts, it is here if you would like to join:<br /><br />https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=617108713#!/home.php?sk=group_162471393813902&ap=1Rebshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10517278947791207433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-28983346682643041312011-04-28T11:27:26.416+01:002011-04-28T11:27:26.416+01:00I respect your opinion Dr G, but I believe that so...I respect your opinion Dr G, but I believe that some competition from the private sector is good and aids a healthy environment in any public setting where, without it, workers feel no ownership, they just go to work to collect the pay cheque at the end of the month, hence the stagnation, all types of prejudice and enivitable waste and rising costs as a result flourishing as is the case with the NHS as you can see even from some comments on this post.<br /><br />I know The white paper wants to rid the DoH from the responsibility of providing a universal cover for all, Dr No wrote an excellent post on that:<br /><br />'The Secret Nail in the NHS Coffin' <br />http://badmed.net/bad-medicine-blog/2011/03/secret-nail-nhs-coffin.html<br /><br />I too say No to that.<br /><br />... awaiting your new post :-)Samhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09558370387772079822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-88783029652439389692011-04-28T07:45:40.059+01:002011-04-28T07:45:40.059+01:00You should know, Sam, that the plans are not that ...You should know, Sam, that the plans are not that the NHS should remain in public hands. The government intends to divest itself of the NHS in various ways inlcuding, perhaps, giving it away. All the evidence suggests that privatisation of healthcare costs more and not less. Unfortunately, people believe what they are told or exptrapolate from the success of markets on the high street. <br /><br /><br />There is widespread misunderstanding on this. I fear I may have to spell it out in a post devoted to the topic. The problem I have is that the details are a bit turgid. There is little point in publishing something that few will read. <br /><br />If you work within healthcare the truth of why markets don't work is self-evident (to most though not all). Proving it is more difficult.Dr Grumblehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02459592334604944530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-37881160225509279042011-04-27T22:43:24.338+01:002011-04-27T22:43:24.338+01:00"If we all take the view that Lansley's b..."If we all take the view that Lansley's bill is unstoppable then it will be. The arguments for privatisation of healthcare just do not stack up."<br /><br />I just like to be realistic when need be Dr G. <br /><br />The NHS should remain in public hands - that is an A1 priority. But to think that private sector involvement can be reversed is impossible to achieve, nor is it desirable either, because it leads to stagnation, and that has a multitude of ills. There are good parts in The White Paper, but overall, it is way ahead of it's time as it assumes there is a global system in place to support it's high ambitions when there isn't - yet. Example, competition on price, now ditched, would've allowed 'any willing provider' from 'around the globe?' to cater for NHS patients. While this may be much cheaper, there is no global system to protect patients from rogue providers or bad practice -yet. and the reason why it is good that this particular part was ditched - for now.<br /><br />It is an opportunity the government is listening so there is hope to remove more, and as many unagreeable bits as 'realistically' as possible. It is up to you doctors to do that now.Samhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09558370387772079822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-75518750475611939052011-04-27T18:43:39.004+01:002011-04-27T18:43:39.004+01:00I do remember. I think that video clip is worthy o...I do remember. I think that video clip is worthy of a post all to itself.Dr Grumblehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04417731064007601504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-87681496284039241442011-04-27T14:40:53.319+01:002011-04-27T14:40:53.319+01:00BTW - remember this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?...BTW - remember this?<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nH2EmVGowCk<br /><br />Yes, I have no problem taking D-Cam's utterances at face value!!the a&e charge nursenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-42664970548211757222011-04-27T14:36:27.272+01:002011-04-27T14:36:27.272+01:00"If enough people were to point that out this..."If enough people were to point that out this bill would drop dead in its tracks" ....... ssshhh, don't mention the 'P' word!!<br /><br />The public and indeed most NHS staff will not realise that our health system has changed irrevocably until they receive their first computer generated invoice for services rendered.<br /><br />We won't be charged with everything to begin with, just a few select items, but once the concept is established the number of freebies on the health menu will soon diminish.<br /><br />Imagine if Tony B had pitched tuition fees at £9k in 1997 - no, the wily fox started off with a more managable £3k before Gove & his coalition stooges lit the blue touch paper.the a&e charge nursenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-60279025718522013302011-04-27T14:14:43.372+01:002011-04-27T14:14:43.372+01:00If we all take the view that Lansley's bill is...If we all take the view that Lansley's bill is unstoppable then it will be. The arguments for privatisation of healthcare just do not stack up. The emperor has no clothes. If enough people were to point that out this bill would drop dead in its tracks.Dr Grumblehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02459592334604944530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-38990958460481168912011-04-27T13:57:04.356+01:002011-04-27T13:57:04.356+01:00"What we really must stop is the market in he..."What we really must stop is the market in healthcare."<br /><br />That's unstoppable Dr Grumble, it's 'globalisation'. Gordon Brown spoke about a 'new world order' and it is here. As Britain can do nothing about this tide, she has to join or get left behind. <br /><br />"There has been talk of Lansley's bill being this government's poll tax."<br /><br />Not to that extent, there is opportunity with everything and Andrew's work has plenty, although it needs some tweeks, hence the 'listening' excercise. 'Tweeks' maybe, but there will 'never' be a full U turn to the past.<br /><br />I am in a stagnant mode these days or I would write about this, meanwhile, maybe this explains why 'a bit':<br /><br />http://chezsams.blogspot.com/2009/04/moral-capitalism.html<br /><br />... and Rebecca, have you contacted a few med schools to find out about funding for graduate entry? Because the government made it clear that in order for unis to charge the maximum of 9k, they had an 'obligation' to widen access, meaning there may well be new schemes in individual medical schools now that all med schools will most likely fall into this catagory. Maybe you should e-mail them all individually to find out.Samhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09558370387772079822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-32335934073648424722011-04-27T10:53:05.599+01:002011-04-27T10:53:05.599+01:00I agree absolutely, Rebecca. I could have written ...I agree absolutely, Rebecca. I could have written that letter myself. That's essentially what I was referring to by the nasty right-wing agenda. If people of your generation do not know this is happening (I rather assumed you did)it is because your generation is not so politically aware as ours was compounded by the way the political class deliberately conceal unpopular plans(especially for the NHS).<br /><br />My own feeling is that we should all go out on the streets and protest against the Health and Social Care Bill. What we really must stop is the market in healthcare. There has been talk of Lansley's bill being this government's poll tax. It could be if people realise what is happening and protest accordingly. But will they?Dr Grumblehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02459592334604944530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25200961.post-88285474935505771892011-04-27T09:41:56.262+01:002011-04-27T09:41:56.262+01:00I would agree with Jordan Newall in that we can no...I would agree with Jordan Newall in that we can not say graduates always make better doctors than younger undergraduates. I also don not think that any other doctor/poster on this forum said it quite like that though. They said that in their experience 'some' of their best students and doctors had been graduates...<br /><br />I thank Sam for the lead and I will be following this up. I am very grateful for your help.<br /><br />Dr Grumble, you are right to point out these arguments as we do need to be aware of them. My main issue with the potential instant removal of the NHS bursary to cover the fees of years 2-4 on the GEM is that it is a double whammy! The fees have just increased to £9000 a year, so from £3600-£36000 for the course. We have no access to a loan, so it is my opinion that we are being blocked from returning to education.<br /><br />I received a response from a UK academic yesterday, I won't say who, but I thought their perspective may interest you. They said:<br /><br />Dear Rebecca,<br /><br />I didn’t know about this, but it is not surprising. The government plans to privatise the NHS both funding and delivery and so why should the state underwrite the costs of medical education, that is the reasoning. At the same time government is privatising higher education and very soon we will see private universities opening up to offer private medical degrees the idea being that as in the US medical graduates will be competing and operating in a market. Universities are positioning themselves accordingly for globalisation. It is important to continue to oppose the changes and to be aware of the big picture - of course if the government is defeated on the Health and Social Care Bill it may be easier to show the lack of logic in and oppose HE proposals.<br /><br />Dr Grumble and fellow posters, what are your thoughts on this?Rebshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10517278947791207433noreply@blogger.com