The passions associated with the opposition to the NHS reforms proposed by Andrew Lansley have in no way abated over recent days. This is not surprising. Reform is one thing, few would disagree improvements should be introduced. But a complete overhaul of the entire infrastructure removing the word 'National' from the NHS is another matter altogether. No amount of soothing reassurances from Mr Lansley can alter the inevitability of a fragmented postcode lottery which would result from the plethora of varied GP consortia and their encouraged use of private providers, motivated by underlying 'bonuses' for 'saving money'.

It is anticipated that the BMA will put forward a vote of no confidence in Mr Lansley as Health Secretary and they warn that the reforms are 'unethical'. At this week's Lib Dem conference Mr Nick Clegg stood up and vowed 'No NHS Privatisation' but who in their right mind is EVER going to listen to any of his vows ever again anyway?

Scottish GPs are worried that the health bill will force a change in the GP contract and certainly it will play havoc with the medical oath sworn by every new doctor on qualifying, which in turn will change the relationship of patient to doctor from now on, threatening the lines of trust so essential.

Whether or not individual suggestions within the health reforms may have merit is irrelevant, nothing appears to have been properly thought through .They were doomed to be an unmitigated disaster whilst the ink was still wet on the page.

Back to the drawing board Messrs Cameron, Clegg and Lansley please!
 
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Essential care after an inpatient fall

In a recent rapid response report produced by the national patient safety agency in January 2011, figures indicated that over 208,000 falls happen in acute hospitals every year, with 36,000 in mental health units and 38,000 in Community hospitals. The data also indicated that the subsequent injuries were increased either by the failure to use suitable equipment to lift the faller, or the use of the wrong kind of equipment.

Prevention of falls is clearly a major health and safety challenge in hospitals but what happens after the fall is is equally important. The potential harm from sling hoisting patients with fracture is thought to be a very under-recognised risk and some staff in acute hospitals were not informed that they could access any alternative equipment such as flat-lifting (supine) equipment.

Research and development at Mangar International Ltd has specialised and focussed upon seated and supine lifting after falls for some years now. 100% of the emergency services (ambulance authorities) in the UK use the Mangar Elk lifting cushion both for seated and supine (with stretcher) cases with excellent results.

Alternatively the Mangar ‘Camel’ is an inflatable seat with supporting backrest which will lift someone up to 80 stone from the floor to a seated position. With this product, one member of staff can safely lift someone who otherwise may need more than four staff to help.

These pneumatic devices will deflate to take up minimum storage, are lightweight and portable and extremely easy to use and to keep clean. This facilitates training and maintenance whilst ensuring standards of safety and hygiene.

Mangar recognise that there is a need to increase familiarity with these products and welcome requests for demonstrations and assistance with training. These are options that will represent considerable cost saving to the NHS at a time of severe cost restraints.