For regular readers of this blog, you may remember my recent musings on my experience of the NHS. I was treated for the separation of key tendons from my kneecap in Lancaster and London hospitals courtesy of the actions of our boisterous rescue black Labrador, ‘Norm’. We still have him, by the way, but more of that later…

Norm got his just deserts… it feels like one-all now…

Critical of a lengthy 8 day stay in Lancaster Hospital with no MRI facilities for 4 days, and crazy information sharing procedures between hospitals, it is only fair that I update you on a more positive note.

My treatment at University College Hospital (UCH) in London has since been outstanding. I have had or am having a month of hydrotherapy sessions, bi-weekly physio appointments, a tailored exercise regime for the gym, and access to orthopaedic specialists who are now no longer needed. The level of care has been heart-warming. Who needs private health insurance…, at least for this condition…

I am told by those in the know that UCH is one of the best run hospitals in the country with post Covid waiting lists down on pre Covid levels. It attracts some of the best medical talent, but it is not all about money. It is exceptionally well-run albeit with a slightly repetitive online communications set-up.

A few extra overall observations as I complete my recovery. Whilst accountability is a good thing, too many ring-fenced NHS budgets seem to have created fiefdoms and inefficiencies. This is certainly the view of some senior clinicians and administrators. Best practices in one hospital should be more openly shared with others. The performance of hospital trusts is too variable, and after the terrible Letby trial and concerns of doctors about her behaviour being ignored, registering hospital managers seems a good idea to explore. The IT in the NHS is hopeless and there has to be a genuine debate on the risks to patient confidentiality versus a more comprehensive information sharing system.

Anyway, I am back on my feet being a perfect pupil, undertaking all the rigorous physio exercises set for me as homework, with the benefits clearly visible. Doctors say my recovery is remarkable. I will take this compliment and not question whether it is generally or for my age…

As for Norm, he is a happy boy despite a well-timed castration… Ouch! But it feels like one-all now…

Enjoy what is left of the Summer.