In his six-point plan to fix the NHS, Dr. Stuart Bloom primarily focuses on the service provided by general practice in the community. While this makes sense considering that GP practices and other community services deliver more than 90% of healthcare, there are some flaws in his approach.
As a consultant gastroenterologist from a reputable London teaching hospital, Dr. Bloom is well-equipped to advise on delivering elective and emergency hospital care. However, his comments reveal a lack of understanding regarding the challenges faced by healthcare services in different settings, such as inner cities, market towns, or rural communities.
One notable point in Dr. Bloom’s plan is the need to clarify the role of GPs. It’s important to recognize that GPs are expert medical generalists and the last remaining doctors in the UK who are trained to consider patients holistically. They undergo training in hospitals alongside career hospital doctors, under the guidance of hospital consultants. Unlike hospital specialists, GPs have firsthand experience in the day-to-day work of their colleagues.
The healthcare system is under immense strain due to various factors, including negative media coverage, insufficient investment, rigid targets that hinder innovation, and ever-changing bureaucratic management. So, how can we fix it? The answer lies in consulting the GPs who are on the front lines, doing the actual work. They possess valuable insights into the real-world challenges outside of hospital settings and have a good understanding of what’s wrong and potential solutions.
One possible reason why previous attempts to transform the NHS have failed is the failure to consult the people who use the services and those who support them. These individuals hold valuable knowledge about the current state of the system. Lengthy hospital stays, for example, provide a unique perspective on the intricacies of a complex healthcare system.
The suggested solutions, such as focusing on prevention and leveraging technology, are commendable. From basic needs like reliable WiFi access for both patients and staff to advanced robotic procedures, technology plays a crucial role. However, it’s essential to recognize that the core of healthcare is the human element. Providing care is a profoundly human interaction, and prioritizing the well-being of those working in the system is key to saving it.
This includes not viewing people who use healthcare services as burdens or problems to be solved, but as individuals who require support and are entitled to receive it. Consequently, the humans working within the healthcare system also need care. Clare Gerada is right in emphasizing the issue of burnout and the need for adequate time for care, which extends beyond just GPs.
To truly address the challenges, we must pay closer attention to the experiences of frontline staff, patients, and carers, who are all experts in their own right. Their involvement should be prioritized when designing solutions.
In conclusion, Dr. Stuart Bloom’s plan for fixing the NHS has its limitations. It’s crucial to consider the unique challenges faced by healthcare providers in different settings and to consult those who actually work in the system. Additionally, involving patients and carers in the design of healthcare solutions is vital. By prioritizing the human element of care, we can ultimately save the NHS.
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