The Psychiatrist Blog

JOIN Doctors Think Tank

2012-01-24T09:54:00.000-08:00

Doctors Think Tank

Who are we?

The Doctors Think Tank is the first medically led think tank in the UK. Many of us are doctors and we actively encourage other professionals interested in and knowledgeable about healthcare to join us.

The DTT is not a union and has no allegiance to any political party.

What do we want to do?

We will encourage a vigorous and independent debate and discussion on the future of the UK's healthcare, through postings on our website and discussion documents.

We will provide an opportunity for doctors and interested professionals to join a community that can influence healthcare policy

What do we believe in?

We believe that by whatever method healthcare services are provided, they should be comprehensive and of the very highest standard, putting the patient first .

Where healthcare costs outstrip available resources or very high cost treatments become available, we favour a debate on what is made available rather than this being determined through central diktat.

Email us and join us.

Doctors Think Tank

2012-01-24T09:48:00.000-08:00

Doctors Think Tank aims to improve patient care. Practising doctors have come together to use the internet to boost the spread of good practice and speed up innovation. For too long the medical profession has been dictated to from the top down and been forced to follow Whitehall prescription, often written by people who have never worked with patients. This has to change. Doctors Think Tank provides a free and easy way of publishing ideas, hopes and aims for the future of healthcare. This grassroot movement is not politically biased and realistically puts patient care first.

Has the Value of a Personal Recommendation Increased?

2012-01-05T03:15:00.000-08:00

In this age of economic uncertainty daily newspaper articles seem to be filled with quantitive easing and falling share prices. So, I thought I would write a blog questioning what is increasing in value (other than the cost of living)?

I wondered if the value of personal recommendations has increased during the recession? Maybe not tangibly in money terms, but the value added by social media. Modern technology has made it easier to access and assess how others have found interacting with a company, rather than just relying upon a large faceless corporate brand. Hence, I thought I would add my personal recommendation to 'Good Looking Design', and illustrate an example of their design pictured here. An efficient and client friendly service!

Understanding the Credit Crisis

2011-12-28T04:37:00.001-08:00

Time for Cognitive Analytical Therapy?

2011-12-23T13:52:00.000-08:00

Feeling low? Relationship difficulties? Confused about life?

Don't let talking therapy be the preserve of the rich and famous. It can help you change no matter how big or small your problems are.

Dr Tempest, a medical doctor, specialises in therapy for lawyers. Therapy usually lasts eight to sixteen sessions (50 minutes each). Dr Tempest is also happy to be instructed by solicitors for any medico legal case involving psychiatry or psychology.

www.yourspacetotalk.com email: mail@yourspacetotalk.com tel: 07530 761373
Practice based in Harley Street and Fleet Street.

'Telling it Like it is'

2011-12-22T14:09:00.000-08:00

Dan Hannan MEP

2011-08-31T09:02:00.001-07:00

Drinking and Surroundings

2011-08-30T04:15:00.000-07:00

Winkielman, Berridge and Wilbarger (2005) found that by subliminally presenting happy or angry faces, with no subjective change in affect, influenced peoples drinking behaviour. Subjects placed more value on beverages, and consumed more beverages, after subliminally being presented with happy faces. Whereas, beverage value and consumption decreased after subliminally being presented angry faces. The conclusion is that nonconscious stimuli can influnce judgment and behaviour without consciously being aware of it.

Paragraph from 'The Compassionate Mind'

2011-08-23T05:23:00.000-07:00

"Our world is changing. Unregulated 'competitive edge', possessive and wealth-seeking psychologies have set us (and those who will follow us) really tough challenges and, quite probably, tragedies in waiting. This is no one's fault; it's what happens when we simply act out blindly the self passions of our 'old brains/minds'. However, we can no longer allow our minds to be so undisciplined. We require mature compassion-focused politics to help us build a foundation on which we can train our compassionate minds and create compassionate societies, and we need a nourishing spirituality that's science based. In our hearts, we know that most of our problems - of the environment, tribal violence and terrorism, social injustice and human exploitation - are only going to be resolved through out relationships with each other.

Evolution has designed for us a really difficult brain, one that can create heaven or hell, and it's up to each of us to choose which we opt for. opening our hearts to each other and developing self-kindness based on understanding that 'none of us chooses to be here with this strange mind' is probably not a bad first step."

The Compassionate Mind, Paul Gilbert

An Independent Letter

2011-06-04T06:51:00.000-07:00

This letter was published in the Independent newspaper :

Hospital doctors must have a role

You report that Andrew Lansley is holding out on letting hospital doctors have a role in deciding what care the NHS provides to patients (10 May). Why? Modern medicine increasingly requires vertical integration of treatment, where specialist hospital doctors and GPs work together to provide both acute and chronic health provision. It is not only logical but vitally important that the skill of hospital doctors is not lost.

Though the argument against hospital doctors having a role in commissioning is based on a perceived conflict of interest, a recent report in the GP magazine Pulse suggested that 10 per cent of GPs in consortia have declared private healthcare business interests. "Conflict of interest" cannot be a valid argument against involving hospital doctors.

To achieve a world-beating health service, all talents need to be actively engaged in the highly complex commissioning. Actively excluding experts from this process without good reason is indefensible.

Michelle Tempest, Psychiatrist

Christoph Lees, Obstetrician

Daniel Carroll, Paediatric Surgeon, Cambridge

What will be the changes to the NHS Reforms?

2011-04-18T04:39:00.000-07:00

The NHS Reform Bill plans to scrap Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs) and Primary Care Trusts (PCTs), in favour of an NHS Commissioning Board and 'GP Consortia'. The Treasury have suggested these reforms may incur a £3bn price tag, at a time when the NHS is being challenged to find 4% annual efficiency savings.

The NHS Reforms are currently in a 'feedback period', whilst the Government listens to concerns. In the latest review of NHS Commissioning, MPs on the cross-party Commons Health Committee recommend a number of significant changes to the Health and Social Care Bill. Primarily the Committee suggest that each consortia should expand their knowledge base beyond GPs to include:

• A professional Social Care representative;

• An elected member (a councillor or directly-elected Mayor), nominated by the local authority; • A nursing representative;

• A representative of hospital medicine;

• A public health expert nominated by the Director of Public Health.

With all these executives being accountable to a Chief Executive and a Finance Director, both of whom should be members of the Board. Along with an independent chair. They also suggest that “GP Consortia” should change their name to “NHS Commissioning Authorities”.

The Committee also believe that these proposals would mean that there is no need to separate the commissioning of primary and secondary care, meaning vertical health integration could be encouraged. By making all these understandable changes to GP consortia, perhaps it's also financially prudent to consider if these changes could just be directly implimented into the PCT structure already in place? Ensuring that the evolution of the NHS becomes more publically accountable, but that taxpayers money gets direct front line patient care rather than reorganisations.

American Education

2011-04-06T06:05:00.000-07:00

An Interesting Website

2011-03-09T04:57:00.000-08:00

There is an interesting new wesbite for people with ME, CFS and fibromyalgia. It is called Secrets to Recovery. What is so good about it, is that it uses the power of the internet. It offers some videos and MP3 downloads of what they have found works for some of their clients.

Delivering Bye Election Leaflets in Diggle

2011-01-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

With a Bye-Election this Thursday a few of us were out in Diggle delivering leaflets, a beautiful village situated on the moorlands of the Pennine hills.

Appreciate Apprenticeships

2010-12-01T05:15:00.000-08:00

The hard working MP for Harlow, Robert Halfon, is in support of creating a Royal College of Apprenticeships, and you can read more about his proposal here. Apprenticeships should have their value highlighted and supported in both the economy and society. I wish him every luck with his proposal. He has suggested that he hopes it will develop into something like the British Medical Association. However, I hope that any Royal College of Apprenticeships will remain true to its name, and rather than following the 'trade union' BMA, it will follow in the footsteps of the Royal College of surgeons/ Physicians or Psychiatrists and be a body to 'maintain and achieve high standards'.

A shortage of psychiatrists?

2010-10-28T04:03:00.000-07:00

USA Today recently reported that demand for psychiatrists is climbing faster than for any other medical specialty. From April 2009 to March 2010, the company Merritt Hawkins received 179 requests for psychiatrists — a 47% increase from the previous year and 121% increase from the 2006-2007 survey.

There are concerns that supply of psychiatry trainees is not keeping pace with the increased demand. Shankar Yalamanchili, a psychiatrist with River Region Psychiatry in Montgomery, Ala., says doctors who perform medical procedures make more money than psychiatrists who converse with patients. He said "I get paid more for treating a zit than I get for sitting down for half an hour talking to a patient."

Kurt Mosley, Merritt Hawkins' vice president of strategic services, says it's "the perfect storm right now" as more than half of all psychiatrists age 55 and older are nearing retirement, and there aren't enough physicians to take their spots. The lack of psychiatrists in Iowa has been so bad that several hospitals have had to close their inpatient psychiatric care units, says Scott Lindsley, operations director for Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Curved or Straight?

2010-10-11T07:11:00.000-07:00

Elephant Illusion

2010-09-23T01:58:00.000-07:00

How many legs does this elephant have?

More Illusions

2010-09-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

Do you see the native american wearing a head dress, or the inuit wearing a fluffy coat and entering an igloo?

Young or Old?

2010-09-21T10:40:00.000-07:00

Can you see both the young woman and the old woman in this classic optical illusion?

If you need some help, the eye of the old woman is the ear of the young woman. The old woman's mouth is the young woman's necklace.

Are We Waking up to the Cost of Dementia Care?

2010-09-21T06:16:00.000-07:00

The BBC today report that the cost associated with dementia is more than 1% of the world's gross domestic product this year at £388bn.

The number of people with dementia is expected to double by 2030, and more than triple by 2050. But experts say the costs of caring for people with dementia are likely to rise even faster than the prevalence, especially in the developing world, with more formal social care costs.

Professor Martin Prince, of the UK's Institute of Psychiatry and who co-authored the report, urged nations to develop better plans for caring for the millions who have the disease. "Governments must show greater leadership, working with all stakeholders, to drive solutions to the long term care issue."

Right or Left?

2010-09-20T07:31:00.000-07:00

A Timely Letter

2010-09-09T06:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the Times newspaper printed a letter by Dr Christoph Lees and Dr Mark Slack. Both Consultants at Addenbrooke's Hospital. The letter was entitled 'Medical Training, Freedom and Fun.' The letter was about doctor training and the impact of the EWTD (European Working Time Directive). They stated 'None of us wants to return to 90-plus-hour weeks but a modest uplift in the hours stipulated by the EWTD would allow trainee doctors greater freedom and satisfaction...The result would be greater continuity in training, with consultants being able to guide the trainee doctor exclusively for a period during which their clinical skills are acquired.'

The photograph shows Andrew Lansely back in 2007 helping to campaign to improve doctor training and hence patient safety. Now he is Health Secretary I look forward to watching him acting the best interests of patients. He needs to work fast to ensure UK doctor training remains globally respected.

The book to watch out for

2010-09-02T08:09:00.000-07:00

If you are thinking of ordering a book, look no further than the excellent new novel 'Law and Peace' by Tim Kevan. It has been described as a funny, fast-paced Machiavellian romp through the legal world. It can be pre-ordered here.

North West Durham on Election Night.

2010-05-11T14:36:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Pat Glass MP, I wish her well in representing all of her constituents including those who voted for her, those who voted for others, and those who decided not to vote at all. The candidates in North West Durham fought a good clean campaign, showing you can disagree without being disagreeable, leaving the debate to be about policy rather than just personality. I wish Prime Minister David Cameron every success in leading our great country.

Voting for Number 10

2010-05-06T09:17:00.001-07:00

If you want to see David Cameron walk into Number 10 tomorrow then don't forget to go out and vote Conservative today. We have our own Number 10 here in Wolsingham.

David Cameron Bear!

2010-05-05T07:54:00.001-07:00

Our blue bear called David Cameron was a big favourite today in Consett. It was lovely to be part of the buzz surrounding the General Election process and meeting people who are going to be voting Conservative tomorrow.

I personally wanted to thanks the hundreds and hundrens of people I have spoken to out on the campaign trail in:

Cornriggs, Cowshill, Wearhead, St John's Chapel, Westgate, Eastgate, Townfield, Rookhope, Hunstanworth, Edmundbuyers, Muggleswick, Waskerley, Crawleyside, Stanhope, Hill End, White Kirkley, Frosterley, Wolsingham, Tow Law, Sunniside, Fir Tree, Howden-le-Wear, Witton-le-Wear, Hunwick, Willington, Crook, Castleside, Satley, Billy Row, Esh, Cornsay, Quebec, Langley Park, Lanchester, Burnhope, Shotley Bridge, Ebchester, Dipton, Knitsley and Consett.

The people of North West Durham are good honest hard working people who have been ignored for too long by the Labour Party. I hope they will vote for change and vote Conservative.

Campaigning - The Last Few Days

2010-05-04T13:09:00.000-07:00

The Conservative campaign here in North West Durham has been going from strength to strength. Today the team (Margaret pictured here) were out campaigning in the centre of Crook - with David Cameron (our blue bear). The children adored him.

It has been such a great honour to meet the hundreds and hundreds of people on the doorstep. If I had a pound for every time I heard 'You're the first ever candidate who has ever called', Gordon Brown's debt would be greatly reduced. The Conservatives are not taking the voters for granted in the North East and I am very much looking forward to Election night. The choice is yours - Vote for change - Vote Conservative.

Supporting Local Business

2010-05-01T14:32:00.001-07:00

Today the Conservative team were out in Shotley Bridge campaigning all day. Thank you all so much for your hard work - I know we all walked miles. This is a photograph of a wonderful local business, Savilles, that I would highly recommend. As usual it was the lovely people of North West Durham that really made our day.

Vote for Change - Vote Conservative

2010-04-29T07:05:00.001-07:00

Election Address

2010-04-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to all the people who have been contacting me about the Conservative North West Durham Election Address. It is clear that many people are concerned about the future of Shotley Bridge hospital. This photograph is of me visiting staff and patients in Shotley Bridge hospital. As my election address stated, having worked as a front line NHS doctor for a decade I would ensure that your health and Shotley Bridge Hospital are safe in my hands. David Cameron has pledged that the NHS is his number one priority. So, look out for more David Cameron support in the final week before the election as the Conservatives poll the Party most trusted with the NHS.

Conservative MP helps Campaign in Consett

2010-04-26T10:05:00.001-07:00

A big thank you to Brooks Newmark MP for Braintree, who kindly helped out by joining our campaign team in Consett. We were delighted to get such a positive response. There was a clear message that the people of Consett are fed up of being taken for granted by the Labour Party. So, if you want change for the better - Vote Conservative on May 6th.

Move Over David cameron, Nick Clegg and Gordon Brown.

2010-04-25T14:57:00.001-07:00

We are lucky enough to have a star living in our very own North West Durham constituency - five year old Cherry from Willington. I think she would steal the show at any leaders' debate - and I hope David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Gordon Brown all watch this for tips. The first quesion Cherry answers is: 'Should there be more people filling in forms or more doctors and nurses?'

The Hustings at Castleside

2010-04-23T05:55:00.000-07:00

This is a short clip from the Castleside Hustings on Wednesday night - from left to right the representatives are for Liberal Democrats, Labour, Conservative, Independent, UKIP and BNP, all hoping to represent the people of the North West Durham constituency. We were asked questions from directly from the audience. The question: 'Like many people over the past few years politicians from all Parties seem to have lost touch with ordinary people in the street. People are worried about crime, the NHS and many other things. How do I know you will listen and speak up for us in Westminster?'

Second Hustings

2010-04-21T16:23:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to all who came along to the second hustings of the political campaign in North West Durham. It was held at the Castleside Club, and despite it being a beautiful sunny evening the club was packed full. I hope everyone enjoyed it.

Out on the Campaign Trail

2010-04-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

A special thank you to all those who have been out and about canvassing and delivering leaflets with me in North West Durham - yes, even in Parliament Street. The people who so kindly give up their time and offer support are the real heroes of this General Election. Your work is very much appreciated and together we can deliver change for our country.

Out and About Campaigning

2010-04-14T11:32:00.001-07:00

The sun was shining on the beautiful quintessentially English countryside as we were out and about campaigning in force today. A big thank you to all who came along. Tomorrow don't forget your sun cream :-)

Today's Telegraph

2010-04-13T12:14:00.001-07:00

Today North West Durham constituency got a mention in the Telegraph, after Grazia magazine printed a feature about how female candidates want to be known for substance over style.

Diggerland, County Durham

2010-04-11T14:04:00.001-07:00

Today the sun was shining and the North West Durham team have been hard at work getting on with all the work we have to do between now and the General Election. However, there was a lunch time stop in Langley Park and I couldn't resist popping into 'Diggerland'. They have some of the amazing machines, some of which you can even drive... Plus, I was lucky enough to meet lots of families and children who liked my Union Jack campaign bag.

Tomorrow we shall be campaigning in Willington - you are welcome to come and join in the fun.

The General Election Campaign

2010-04-09T06:07:00.000-07:00

The campaign is now well under way. A BIG THANK YOU to all of those involved.
Together we can vote for change.

The Election has been Called - Change is Coming.

2010-04-06T10:55:00.001-07:00

Did you know?

2010-03-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

After nearly 13 years of a Labour Government

Almost five million people are on out of work benefits.
Over one million violent crimes were recorded last year.
The poorest families are paying a higher share of their income in tax than anyone else.
Government debt is growing by nearly £20 million every hour - with the Government spending more on debt interest than on educating our children.

And in the time it has taken you to read this blog Gordon Brown will have increased the country's debt by a further £360! It's time he stopped spending our taxpayers money, and is held to account at the ballot box.

Happy Retirement

2010-03-25T07:55:00.000-07:00

Over the years there has been one place guaranteed to offer the latest medical news on the blogosphere. The excellent NHS Blog Doctor. I would personally like to wish 'Dr Crippen' an extremely happy retirement. Perhaps the words of Michelle Obama are a fitting wave goodbye to such a great blog that stood up for the medical profession:

"All of us are driven by a simple belief that the world as it is just won't do - we have an obligation to fight for the world as it should be."

Thank you NHS Blog Doctor. We will miss you.

Bad Budget from Labour, Clean Fighting from Conservatives

2010-03-25T02:41:00.000-07:00

Countryside

2010-03-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

Today it has felt as if spring has arrived. In North West Durham we are lucky to have some of the most picturesque landscapes in Great Britain. However, this Labour government does not seem to have understood the rural communities nor rural issues. Professor Robert Huggins, who devised and compiled the UK Competitiveness Index, suggested that urban development has been at the expense of rural areas, stating that 'local economies in rural areas are suffering from declining competitiveness.' Perhaps it's not just time for a change of season, but also a time for a change in government.

Next Week is the Big Budget

2010-03-19T13:09:00.000-07:00

When Mr Darling delivers the budget next week it may be worth remembering that hedge funds and speculators are betting against the pound. The latest data published by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission show that net short positions in sterling now stand at their highest since at least January 1999. With 67,549 net short positions, compared with 29,475 at the start of the year.

The weight of speculative money is building fast and the weight of debt is threatening to topple the Labour Party at the General Election.

Music Album

2010-03-17T15:39:00.000-07:00

The band Stained Glass heroes have already released their single and we are now awaiting the album. As the drummer in the band is a psychiatrist I thought I'd add them to this blog.

David Cameron Talking About the Economy

2010-03-13T13:23:00.000-08:00

Labour's Neglect of Manufacturing in the North East

2010-03-12T03:55:00.000-08:00

The Conservative Party have published a report highlighting that 94,857 manufacturing jobs have been lost in the North East between June 1997 and November 2009. Additionally, the number of advanced manufacturing jobs in the region, a key medium to hi-tech sector for which figures are available, fell by 56 per cent in that time.

Ken Clarke MP said, “This has been a tragedy for the North East, an area with a proud manufacturing tradition...We need to rebalance the economy away from Labour’s over-reliance on financial services towards high tech investment and exports. That is why we will cut corporation tax rates, simplify the tax system and support high tech innovation. British manufacturing cannot afford five more years of Gordon Brown making things worse. Only the Conservatives have the energy, leadership and the ideas to make Britain open for business again."

This report follows the Sir James Dyson report I blogged about a couple of days ago. I am glad to see that the Conservative Party are not just thinking about the election, but are thinking long term about how to improve science education, research and development. Ultimately, increasing jobs within the science and manufacturing sector.

The last decade has been termed the decade of the celebrity and excess, immortalised by Hirst's diamond skull. Let's hope any future Conservative Government returns respect to hard working British taxpayers.

Congratulations!

2010-03-11T04:40:00.000-08:00

We have some amazing people in North West Durham and one of those is Mr Andrew Adams who is now famous as Mr President amongst the hedgelaying community. Many thanks to all who attended the fabulous cheese and wine party. More evidence of the wonderful community spirit that we are so lucky to have in Great Britain.

Engineering Excellence

2010-03-09T08:05:00.000-08:00

Sir James Dyson completed a report for David Cameron highlighting the importance of science to help diversify the economy. Dyson has called for more support for science teachers and tax breaks for high-tech firms to conduct research to encourage an economy where Britain designs, makes and sells.

Among the report's key recommendations are greater financial and regulatory freedom for universities to promote investment in science and engineering, public-private institutes to help translate research into commercial opportunities and more generous tax relief for investors in start-up and established high-tech firms.

David Cameron summarised "I think we have a choice where we go on as we are borrowing money from the Chinese to buy their products, or we can say 'no - wait - this is actually a country with great design, great scientists, great engineers, let's make sure we are developing products and services and goods we can sell to the Chinese as they get richer'."

Gordon Brown has stifled the great British people for too long. It's time to release ourselves from the red tape of the Labour party and vote for change.

Tax

2010-03-08T11:07:00.000-08:00

Think tank Reform have recently produced a paper entitled 'Reality check: Fixing the UK's tax system'. It was a very timely report considering the expected budget. Reform's proposals would cut taxes on employment at a time when the economic recovery depends on business growth and increased work effort, and reduce complexity in personal taxes. They would restore the link between sound principles and tax policy making, improving stability and confidence. However, Mr Darling is expected to give a budget aimed at electioneering rather than sound economic thinking.

The 'A Team'

2010-02-27T05:02:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all who came along last night to the Corbridge Supper Club. It also gave me the opportunity to take a photograph of the 'A Team' in North West Durham. With their enthusiasm and energy we are already looking forward to the Election.

Summary

2010-02-26T09:43:00.000-08:00

Out and about around North West Durham constituency. This poster seems to summarise the feeling on the street.

A Matter of Life and Death

2010-02-25T08:52:00.000-08:00

A very interesting piece was published by the telegraph today, written by Professor John Keown. He concludes "If we are not to slide, greased by euphemism, down the Dutch slippery slope and if equal protection of the law is to be guaranteed to all (not least the most vulnerable), the duty of the DPP is clear: resolutely to uphold Parliament’s clear prohibition on assisting suicide."

He has previously given an extremely interesting talk at the House of Lords, and I hope he soon returns to this side of the pond to stimulate more debate in our House of Commons.

Campaigning Week

2010-02-25T02:59:00.001-08:00

This week is campaign week in North West Durham - if you want to come and help please do get in contact.

Accident & Emergency

2010-02-24T05:08:00.000-08:00

This photograph was taken whilst I was working in A&E with a team of other doctors and nurses. In the dying days of this current Labour government the National Audit Office reported that only one hospital in England and Wales can report to have full consultant cover 24/7. Staff on the frontline know that the Labour legacy is a health emergency.

Agenda for Farming

2010-02-23T12:47:00.000-08:00

This week I'm spending time with farmers around Lanchester, and I'm delighted this coincides with the party's launch of "agenda for farming", covering a whole range of policies relating to agriculture.

There are five key summary points:
•Enabling increased production whilst protecting the environment;
•Promoting fair competition;
•Reducing the burden of regulation;
•Further reforming the Common Agricultural Policy;
•Taking action on animal disease.
Then there are two new policies:
•Introducing rules into the new national planning framework to prevent, in all but exceptional circumstances, the development of the most fertile farmland; and
•Fundamentally reforming the Rural Payments Agency by appointing the Farming Minister as chairman of its Management Board as a way of improving accountability, reducing costs and driving up performance.

It's about time we elected a government who both understood and respected the countryside.

Newsflash

2010-02-18T04:47:00.000-08:00

Today an article I wrote about Labour's lamentable NHS legacy is featured on the Blue Blog.

Equipment for Heroes

2010-02-18T03:31:00.000-08:00

MOD procurement is in the newspapers again today. And, again, it’s in the papers because of cost overruns and delays. Enough is enough. Labour Ministers have lacked the strength of character needed to drive through essential reforms. We must improve the way we equip the men and women who risk their lives defending our way of life. Recently an Army Colonel at the Defence Equipment & Support organisation – the organisation responsible for managing MOD procurement contracts – said “we’ve been planning the Future Command and Logistics Vehicle for 10 years [a lightly armoured 4x4 with specialist communication equipment]. Time’s moved on so far since the concept was first envisaged. By the time we get it in to service it will be the Past Command and Logistics Vehicle”.

I understand that there are challenges when it comes to buying military equipment. It’s not the same as going to the shops to buy a new pair of shoes. It goes without saying that we need appropriate assurance and scrutiny that taxpayers’ money – your money – is being well spent. But, as anyone in business will tell you: time is money. How much has a 10 year procurement cost us? How many lives has the delay cost us? It’s time for change. It's time to vote Labour out of the MOD procurement process.

Book Recommendation

2010-02-16T14:38:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a great read then look no further than confessions of a pupil barrister. It can be bought here. If you thought that legal eagles spent their time studying behind antique desks, think again! This book lifts the lid on legal chambers and offers readers a unique insight into the dirty tricks barristers use to battle each other, in and out of court. It left me asking the question, do these characters think they are above the law?

We Need Growth

2010-02-15T04:20:00.000-08:00

As Clement Attlee stated on the day before the NHS came into being:

"You can't distribute wealth until it has been created. Flourishing public servives depend upon a profitable private sector. You can't have care without enterprise."

We all know that Gordon Brown has been so busy concentrating on how he will spend other people's money that he has failed to balance the books. Today think tank Civitas suggests that we need to cut coporation tax to 15% to stimulate growth by attracting businesses and jobs to Britain.

Could or Should Robin Hood be Aiming for the Banks?

2010-02-12T08:29:00.001-08:00

Bill Nighy stars in a short sketch about the "Robin Hood" tax - a 0.05% tax on a limited subset of banking transactions. The Robin Hood tax is not a new idea, and in 1972 James Tobin proposed something very similar. The Robin Hood tax message sounds simple: a minuscule tax on banking transactions aiming to produce an enormous tax revenue that could be spent on the public sector. However, reality is seldom quite so simplistic. Actions have unforeseen feedback effects. It's easy to sell a simplified message. It's much more difficult to create mechanisms that are effective, efficient and equitable.

Perhaps we should start by asking what is the Robin Hood tax trying to achieve? Then examine whether this tax is the correct mechanism to drive the behaviour we want, whilst remains alert to unintended consequences. A tax on bankers may sound an attractive proposition. After all, bankers - and MPs embroiled in the expenses gate scandal - are probably amongst the least popular people at the moment. But policy agenda should not be swayed by fads - we need to take a view that balances the short-term and the long-term.

The Robin Hood tax aims to curb excessive financial speculation and redistribute wealth. The first is a laudable aim. The second is a matter of political preference. You (and your conscience) can take your pick about where you sit on the spectrum of socialism to "non-redistributivism".
Taxes are blunt instruments. There are also other ways to bring stability to banks. They're less glamorous and perhaps less high profile than the Robin Hood tax. They certainly don't have such catchy names and are less well known to people outside of finance or economics. Capital Adequacy, solvency and maturity matching are all possible mechanisms that may drive the behaviour we want to see in our banks - but we need to make sure that the regulators have the teeth to enforce them.

As for unintended consequences? Businesses need effective and efficient financial markets to raise capital funds for growth and to hedge against risks. I suspect that bankers and businesses will raise their prices to compensate for costs that are created by the Robin Hood tax. Therefore price increases will work their way back to us, the customer. A stable banking sector that offers reasonably priced services is something I suspect we are all hoping for. But would the less glamorous approaches (capital adequacy, etc) be a better way to achieve our ambitions than Robin Hood?

A Must Watch!

2010-02-11T05:15:00.001-08:00

Dan Hannan another author in 'The Future of the NHS' has this to say:

Awaiting an Interesting Read?

2010-02-11T04:11:00.000-08:00

Eamonn Bulter wrote a chapter in 'The Future of the NHS'. His new book is entitled 'The Alternative Manifesto'. The book has been described as a 'sort of workshop manual for fixing Britain, and it doesn't flinch from getting the spanner round those nasty problems that the politicians of all sides don't want to talk about.' In fact, the cover describes it not as a workshop manual but as a twelve-step plan to wean the political class off their fiscal alcoholism. It's offically released on the 25th Feb, however, early birds can buy it here.

Do we have Enough Staff in A&E?

2010-02-08T14:17:00.000-08:00

The Northern Echo report that accident victims are dying unnecessarily at some of the region’s hospitals, according to a study by the National Audit Office (NAO). The NAO investigation found that many die because they suffer injuries at night or at weekends, when emergency consultants are not on call to provide the rapid diagnosis and treatment. This is more evidence that the Labour Party have not understood the NHS and have neglected our front line services here in the North East.

The Importance of Winning North West Durham for the Conservative Party

2010-02-07T04:03:00.001-08:00

I am looking forward to the year of change. Gordon Brown has sold our gold reserves at knockdown prices, sent our troops to war on a peace time budget and under funded the prisons service so that thousands of convicts were released without serving even half of their sentences. Labour have raised the tax burden on the poorest, penalised two parent families, allowed grade inflation in schools, ballooned quangos and lacked any moral leadership in dealing with the MP’s expenses scandal. Labour leave an irresponsible debt legacy.

These are just some of the reasons why I ask for your support in the up coming General Election. David Cameron must prepare to get Britain working again and we must ensure that we do as much as possible to ensure he gets the keys to Number 10. And this means winning North West Durham for the Conservative Party.

Has the Labour Party Ran Out of Gas?

2010-02-05T09:46:00.000-08:00

The recent Green Paper on Defence reminded me of the independent report published last October by Sir Bernard Gray about Defence acquisition. Sir Bernard Gray recognised that the UK isn't alone in feeling let down by the way military equipment is bought. Around the world many nations face similar shortcomings: equipment arriving late, being too expensive and not delivering what was requested or expected.

However, just because this is a pervasive problem, should we sit back and accept it? The Labour government have lacked ambition, vision, drive and leadership to act on Sir Bernard Gray's recommendations. Labour have returned similar reports year on year. Perhaps in a similar vain to Labour's education legacy: the bar required to pass exams was reduced, so exam league results looked better. This ignores the commitment required to faciliate the needs of the most able child, whilst also deserting the struggling student.

If the Conservative's win the next election, I don't believe we will accept 'lowest common denominator results'. The men and women fighting to protect us have never given up because something wasn't easy. We owe it them to get better at delivering the right equipment at the right time. We also owe it to the taxpayers to make sure your money is being is being spent in an effective and efficient way. We need to take action and vote at the Ballot box.

Quotation of the Day

2010-02-04T11:51:00.000-08:00

"News is the information system on which a democratic society depends: we are free to think what we like - but only on the basis of what we know."
Professor Justin Lewis
Cardiff University

Blogging and Dinner

2010-02-01T02:11:00.000-08:00

Over the years of blogging I have been lucky enough to make friends with fellow blogger Ellee Seymour. Last night she hosted myself, Liz truss and Louise Bagshawe with an amazing array of food. It was a thoroughly delightful evening. In a world where we must remain vigilant to the dangers of having an on line profile, this was an example of celebrating wonderful internet connections.

The Importance of Getting Involved in Politics

2010-01-31T08:25:00.000-08:00

After yesterday's blog post about the importance of getting involved in politics, today's blog is about getting involved. As soon as the General Election is called there is one thing we can all do to engage in politics - VOTE!

The Importance of Political Enthusiasm

2010-01-30T05:31:00.000-08:00

Today the Margaret Thatcher Foundation website have gone live with an amazing resource - the full database of speeches and public statements Margaret Thatcher gave from 1990.

As the expenses scandal rumbles on I note a speech she gave in 1968 where she asked 'Why the present distrust?' Her answer resonates as much then, as it does today. She believed 'there is too great a reliance on statistical forecasts; too little on judgment.' She concluded by encouraging people to vote, explaining the importance of people power in times of distrust, and said 'No great party can survive except on the basis of firm beliefs about what it wants to do. It is not enough to have reluctant support. We want people's enthusiasm as well.'

A Round Table Discussion

2010-01-29T06:42:00.000-08:00

The other day I attended a round table discussion with other Conservative female PPC's from all over the country. We had been invited to discuss women's issues. By the end of the day we had also shared many campaign stories and I wanted to thank them all for making it such a successful day:

Kemi Adegoke (in photo), Hannah Foster (in both photos), Joanne Cash, Tracey Crouch and Keely Huxtable. Good luck girls at the General Election!

Great Northern Food

2010-01-28T12:50:00.001-08:00

On a cold wet day there really is nothing better than delicious hot food. As a result, I would highly recommend Bradley Burn farm shop and cafe in Weardale. Not only does the food taste amazing, but it's also locally produced. My tip is the scrumptious traditional roast every Sunday.

Cycling the Conservative way

2010-01-28T10:35:00.000-08:00

In the telegraph newspaper today it was suggested that if the Conservative's win the General Election they are thinking of reducing the number of cars for government work and buying bicycles instead. This seems an excellent way to help reduce the carbon footprint whilst decreasing time wasted stuck in traffic. The telegraph went onto ask why don't MP's bring their own bikes to work? It seemed like a fair question to me, and I thought I'd answer by agreeing that I already have my own bicycle.

A Campaign Song!

2010-01-27T13:13:00.000-08:00

With the election now fast approaching it is wonderful that a member of the North West Durham Conservative team has already composed our very own campaign song. The lyrics just highlight how much fun we are going to have during our General Election campaign trail. How exciting!

VOTE FOR MICHELLE - COS SHY BAIRNS GET NOWT

Get plodging lads and lasses in your wellies join the crowd.
Give us the job, we want the work, we’ll turn it all around.
We are canny, loyal and true, and you know we get things done.
Bold, bright and strong and brave, you know we’ll have our say.
Don’t take us for granted – because we can lead the way.
Get plodging lads and lasses now - cos shy bairns get nowt.

Vote 4 Michelle she is the lass, she will look after you.
Working hard on your behalf, we all need something new.
Give us your vote to save your jobs, protect your hospitals.
Michelle’s the one for you and all your bairns in all their schools.
Making sure you’re deal is fair, cause we are no ones fools.
Get plodging lads and lasses now - cos shy bairns get nowt.

Our Northern countryside is great; we want to praise it loud.
We’re all for one and one for all, a trusting faithful crowd.
Pleased for all our talents now, we help our fellow man.
We are the best you know - listen to others as we go round.
Our sense of humour gets us through and nothing gets us down.
So I say to you lads and lasses - now is the time.
Plodge away - Vote 4 Michelle - cos shy bairns get nowt.

General Election Date

2010-01-24T04:23:00.000-08:00

The Labour Party entrust Bob Ainsworth MP to be the Defence Secretary and make decisions regarding our heroic armed forces. However, yesterday he could not even keep secret the date of the General Election. He publically let it slip that the 6th May will be Election day.

Responsibility

2010-01-22T11:20:00.000-08:00

Here David Cameron is explaining how the Conservatives are on a quest to allow people to take responsibilty for their actions.

Consett - The Place to Be.

2010-01-22T10:53:00.000-08:00

Cleaners Worth More Than Bankers?

2010-01-20T11:51:00.000-08:00

It was reported by the New Economics Foundation (NEF) that 'hospital cleaners are worth more to society than City Bankers.' The NEF devised new methodology to calculate the social value of different jobs. They concluded that 'hospital cleaners create more than £10 in value for every £1 they receive in pay.' And that 'bankers who earn over £500,000, destroy £7 of value for every £1 they create.' When I told Ethel, a hospital cleaner whose worked on the same ward for over thirty years, she replied 'that information is worth far more to me than any City bonus!' One thing I know for sure - Ethel, you're one in a million.

Local Hero

2010-01-20T09:38:00.000-08:00

This blog is dedicated to Corporal Lee Brownson, 30, from Bishop Auckland, who was sadly killed in a bomb blast near Sangin, in Helmand province, on Friday. The blast also claimed the life of Rifleman Luke Farmer, 19, from West Yorkshire.

Corporal Brownson leaves widow, Leeanne, who is expecting the couple’s third child this summer, and daughters Ginalee and Morgan. My thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with his family and friends at this sad time. The deaths of the two men take the number of British service personnel killed in Afghanistan since the start of operations in 2001 to 249. May their sacrifice never be forgotten.

The Big Thaw

2010-01-19T11:01:00.000-08:00

The snow has started to melt.

We all like chocolate

2010-01-19T09:04:00.000-08:00

Speaking as someone who likes chocolate, I was interested to read a post written by Robert Halfon, the PPC for Harlow, about the take over of Cadbury.

Thank you

2010-01-18T13:42:00.001-08:00

During this episode of winter snow I wanted to say a special big thank you to all community workers. I have personally watched ambulance drivers work tirelessly in all weather conditions to ensure our emergency service remained fully operational - well done.

Hewitt

2010-01-10T11:03:00.000-08:00

There have been many posts on this blog about Patricia Hewitt, examples such as this. During the time that she was Health Secretary, I heard many health professionals say 'we can't go on like this'.

Fundraising for the North West Durham campaign

2009-12-04T13:11:00.000-08:00

As readers here know I am currently standing as the Conservative candidate for the beautiful constituency of North West Durham. I do this completely voluntarily. If you want to join me in trying to make a difference, please feel free to donate direct to my campaign on line. Thank you.

North West Durham

2009-04-21T08:17:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to all the people who have kindly followed this blog over the years. Until further notice this blog has been moved to here.

Global Warming and Science

2009-02-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

I was sent this today and thought I'd share it here:

Would You Trust Labour with our Labour Wards?

2009-02-16T09:06:00.000-08:00

For those of you who requested a copy of the maternity care discussion written by myself and Dr Mark Slack, Lead Consultant in Urogynaecology at Addenbrookes Hospital, I've reproduced it here:

The birth of any baby is so precious, that obstetric care must be paramount in any political climate and during any recession. Has birth become more or less risky under Labour? And has Health Secretary and ex-postman Alan Johnson delivered?

Perhaps surprisingly for a government that prides itself on an ever increasing mountain of health and safety regulations, results in the delivery suite show a concerning trend. Between 2005 and 2007 patient safety adverse incidents showed a staggering 260% increase. Medico-legal claims from alleged negligent care during labour now dwarf all other medical claims. Of claims brought for brain damage, most were caused because babies were not delivered at the appropriate time, resulting in babies suffering oxygen deprivation.

Britain is almost unique in having the majority of normal births being conducted by midwives. Midwives are popular with parents and can provide one-to-one care during labour, although this remains difficult to achieve due to staff shortages. A recent poll by the Royal College of Midwives found 91% of midwives believe care has suffered as a result of rising birth rates. An extra 40,000 more babies were born in 2006 than the Department of Health officials expected. The overall birth rate is now at its highest for 26 years and some reports say that maternity wards are being forced to turn away expectant mothers. Last year’s announcement of £330 million to increase midwife numbers over the next three years was welcome, but is it too little too late? Midwives are excellent for uncomplicated deliveries, however, consultant obstetricians are vital if complications arise.

In Europe, it would almost be inconceivable for a consultant not to be present on a labour ward, and beyond belief for the consultant not to be leading a complicated delivery. Yet, over the last ten years NHS consultant obstetric workforce has not been a priority. The National Caesarean audit found that at potentially complicated caesareans, the recorded consultant presence was merely 21%. According to the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 80 out of 207 maternity units in England and Wales could claim to have the minimum recommended 40 hours per week of consultant obstetric presence.

As a consequence, most of the complicated deliveries are supervised and carried out by doctors in training. But do new parents want to be subjected to a constant and repeated cycle of learning? Ideally, most care should be delivered by consultants on a 24 hour basis. Following the ‘Short report’ a few maternity units were set up as a consultant delivered service. Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon continued to work with this pattern between 1983 and 2000. During this time it had the lowest litigation rate in the country.

To apply George Osborne’s analogy, the Government failed to fix the roof while the sun was shining. It seems for maternity units, the roof hasn’t even been completed. Instead, this Government continues to develop a service only fit for sunshine; when the rain comes and complications arise, shelter is lacking. Although the cost of increasing obstetric consultants may sound expensive, it pales into insignificance in contrast to the cost of long term care for brain damaged babies. Scope, the charity that works for cerebral palsy sufferers, estimates that up to 13,000 people, or 10% of Britons affected by this form of brain damage, suffered avoidable birth trauma.

In conclusion, despite their name, the Labour government has failed to deliver care on the labour wards. The Conservatives need to hold them to account over the health needs of babies and parents.

Beautiful Britain

2009-02-04T14:46:00.000-08:00

After a hectic day, this clip of Tunstall Reservoir, County Durham, made me smile:

Saying Goodbye to the Snow

2009-02-03T11:15:00.000-08:00

Inside The House of Commons

2009-01-23T12:23:00.000-08:00

Debate in the House of Commons at the moment is electric, with sparks flying over the state on the economy. I thought I'd highlight an excellent speech delivered on the 21st January by Conservative MP Mr Brooks Newmark (Braintree), not least because I was very honoured to get a mention!

"Under the Government’s current economic policy, prudence seems to go unrewarded. Regrettably, the Government have still not reacted to the devastating consequences that interest rate cuts have brought to a generation of savers. The Government may be offering bail-out after bail-out to over-leveraged banks. However, they are failing to help, if not reward, those in our society who have put aside money in the form of savings, especially the more vulnerable in our society, such as pensioners, who are now seeing their standard of living drop daily.
We need a savings culture at the heart of our economy if it is to grow out of this recession. Thrift and prudence will ensure confidence and the ability to invest in the future. However, recent economic policy has only consolidated a longer-term trend that has emerged under this Government. That trend, which was exemplified by the Prime Minister when he was Chancellor, is towards a Government built on a mountain of debt and indulging in their own spending binge. Encouraged by the Government’s poor household financial management, ordinary individuals have gone on a borrowing and spending binge too. The result is that in 2007 the household savings ratio fell to less than one third of what it was in 1997.
Cutting interest rates was indeed the right thing to do to deal with the current crisis. However, hanging savers out to dry in the process is completely unacceptable. We have now seen seven consecutive interest rate cuts—that is seven consecutive hits on savers and seven opportunities lost by the Government to give help to those who need it. Instead of looking after savers, the Government have written a blank cheque for the banks—many of them the very institutions that helped to create the economic mess. With taxpayers’ money keeping them afloat, those same banks continue to slash interest rates on savings accounts, which have reached as low as 0.1 per cent. for some instant access accounts.
Savers and borrowers are confused about how to play the game of interest rate roulette. With low returns on savings, high borrowing costs and interest rate cuts not being passed on to borrowers, people simply do not know what to do. With poor savings rates on offer and a drop in confidence in the banks, it is projected that 45 per cent. of people are less likely to save in the next three months. What is it that people save for? They save to put a deposit on a house, help provide care for themselves in old age or send their children to university. Without savings, none of that can happen, which will have grave consequences for our economic recovery.
The Government may claim that their economic policies are offering real help to the people who need it most, but unfortunately those polices have failed to help the most vulnerable in our society—the poor and the elderly. With interest rates not expected to rise again in the near future, the Government must urgently create incentives to save again. Even bank bosses agree that we need tax incentives for our savers.
I thus ask the Minister at least to reflect on the proposals of my right hon. Friend the Member for Witney (Mr. Cameron) and the shadow Chancellor my hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr. Osborne), as outlined in this debate by my hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr. Hammond): to reduce to zero the 10p starting rate and the 20p basic rate of tax on savings, so that basic rate taxpayers pay no tax at all on their income from savings, thus helping them by up to £7,200 a year; and, secondly, to increase age-related personal allowances by £2,000 for those aged 65 and over, benefiting them by up to £400 a year.
To conclude, this debt-addicted Government are doing nothing for those who have been more prudent than themselves. To borrow more money to get the country out of its problems, according to Dr. Tempest, is a bit like telling a heroin addict that he needs more heroin in order to recover. This country does not want a legacy of debt; it needs a culture of saving and a Government who are willing to take urgent action to make it happen."

Gordon Brown - Double or Quits?

2009-01-21T15:41:00.000-08:00

Whilst watching ‘The City Uncovered with Evan Davis: Tricks with Risk’ I was struck by the words of Nick Leeson; the man who broke Barings bank. He said “I tried big bets using futures and options…I believed that one day I would be able to resolve the situation and move on from it. There’s a degree of stubbornness and compulsion…it’s the human element, more often than not, needs to be controlled.” His story ended when Barings bank thought he had lost over £2 million of their money, but this later ballooned to a figure of £208 million.

Nick Leeson is right that the economy and psychology are linked. So if Gordon Brown also has a tendency for stubbornness and compulsion, then maybe we should be very afraid. His first £37 billion bail out has been quickly followed by a second bigger bail out. Yet, all of this money has been spent, without knowing the depth of toxic debts on the balance books. It seems betting on futures and options is a risky business – but I don’t want Gordon Brown betting my options, or my children's future away.

What is Happening on our Labour wards?

2009-01-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

Today the Centre for Policy Studies hosts a blog, written by myself and Dr Mark Slack. See here. It questions the legacy the Labour government shall leave their NHS namesake, the labour wards.

Patrick McGoohan

2009-01-14T10:27:00.000-08:00

This blog is in rememberance of Patrick McGoohan who sadly passed away today at the age of 80 years. He was best known for starring in cult 1960s TV show The Prisoner. The actor, who was born in New York, was raised in England and Ireland. It is often forgotten that he was also a writer and wrote some of the episodes of The Prisoner himself, under a different name. In The Prisoner his character spent the entire time attempting to escape from The Village and finding out the identity of his captor, the elusive Number One.
He repeatedly declared: "I am not a number - I am a free man!"

Ecstasy - the UK's third most widely used illegal drug

2009-01-13T10:03:00.000-08:00

Neil McKeganey, a professor of drug misuse research at the University of Glasgow wrote the following in The Guardian today:

For Simon Jenkins, the debate around the possible reclassification of ecstasy has only two sides (Who will cure ministers of illiberal headline addiction?, 7 January). On the one side there is the rational weighing of evidence that would recommend the reclassification of ecstasy from class A to class B under the Misuse of Drugs Act; and on the other there is a prime minister and a home secretary living in mortal fear of a mauling from the tabloid press were they to accept the advice of their expert committee.
The home secretary, Jenkins claims, "may be putty in the hands of her advisers on curbing civil liberty but sternly resists all the blandishments of reason in the matter of narcotics". What would it take for the home secretary to accept those blandishments? According to Jenkins it would be to accept the advice of her experts and reclassify ecstasy to class B.
"The justification for regulating drugs," he writes, "can only be the harm their use imposes on individuals and the community." A Lancet study cited by Jenkins "classified 20 mind-altering substances by personal and social harm" and "put ecstasy at the bottom, well below alcohol and nicotine". The research on which that list was based, though, was not about assessing the scientific-evidenced harm of different drugs but on a poll of addiction specialists. This was scientific opinion rather than scientific fact, and only 37% of those asked to provide their assessment chose to do so.
There is, though, a wealth of research evidence from both Britain and the US on the harms of ecstasy use that shows the adverse impact of this drug on the heart, on mood, on brain activity and on sleep pattern. It has been shown that individuals will often combine the use of ecstasy with the use of other illegal drugs. While there is some dispute as to the number of deaths directly associated with ecstasy, it is clear that use of this drug is associated with an elevated risk of death.
We should also be concerned at the speed with which ecstasy has become the UK's third most widely used illegal drug. Research has shown that those who consume the drug are often not even aware of the chemical constituents of the pills they are taking. Ecstasy may in this sense be playing a major role in normalising drug use, and may therefore be having a much more harmful impact.
Jenkins makes the point that if the home secretary does reject the advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, this "would render the committee largely pointless". Surely those receiving the advice should retain the right to make up their mind as to whether or not to accept it. A second rejection of the ACMD's advice may not make the committee pointless, but it may lead to a different question: why is the ACMD preoccupying itself with the matter of where drugs are placed when there are surely many more urgent questions on how we tackle our developing drug problem?

The North/South Divide - Does it exist?

2009-01-08T05:18:00.000-08:00

Today The Guardian reported on ‘how northern children top the happiness league’. An Ofsted report found that teenagers in the north of England are emotionally more secure and have more than one best friend by the age of 15. The survey ratings were less good news for leafy Richmond, London. Where children reported the lowest levels of emotional well-being.

So, perhaps during this current recession we should all learn something from the community spirit that remains alive and well in the north of England. In the last ten years Gordon Brown has tested to destruction his theory that money can buy happiness – it can’t. As psychologist Winnicott famously stated, life is about interactions between people. But then when Gordon Brown has Peter Mandelson as his best friend, I can not imagine a happy outcome for him.

A Book Review for the New Year

2008-12-26T07:41:00.000-08:00

In 2009 a fellow psychiatrist's book will be on the shelves - ‘The Meaning of Madness’ by Dr Neel Burton. This book aims to explore what mental disorders can teach us about human nature and the human condition. For example, what is schizophrenia? Why is it so common? Why does it affect human beings and not animals? What might this tell us about mind and body, language and creativity, music and religion? What are the boundaries between mental disorder and ‘normality’? Is there a relationship between mental disorder and genius?

The book looks behind the usual categories to ask: why does this mental disorder exist and what adaptive or evolutionary advantage, if any, could it have? It’s an interesting way of looking at things, and one that puts a much needed positive spin on illnesses which are usually portrayed as being nothing but negative.

According to Professor Bill Fulford of Oxford University, ‘The Meaning of Madness’ contrasts from other books on mental disorder in that it neither polemical nor over-technical. Instead, it provides a highly readable and at the same time authoritative account that, by combining literary, philosophical, and scientific sources, shows the deep connections between ‘madness’ and some of most important attributes as human beings. The book’s central message that mental disorders are an expression of our deepest human nature is both important and timely, and one that can make a real difference to the perception, experience, and outcome of mental disorder.

Well done to Dr Neel Burton, it certainly makes an interesting read. Hot of the press it can be pre-ordered here.

A Bipolar Economy?

2008-10-07T13:46:00.000-07:00

During the present glum destructive nature of the economy, histrionic panic should be avoided. It’s similar to treating an economy with bipolar disorder. Suffering a crash after a prolonged ‘high’ or manic episode. Going from euphoria to despair. During the years of boom and mania, there was inflated opinion, increased self-esteem, carefree joviality, boorish behaviour, over-optimistic ideas and reckless acts without thinking of the consequences. Now we stare in the face of depression. The market suffers the bipolar opposite feelings of recession. Suffering with guilt, lack of self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness and a bleak and pessimistic view about the future.

Politicians need to communicate and co-ordinate. Any psychiatrist will tell you, inconsistency and uncertainty are to be avoided. Casino party capitalism has no chips left to place on the table. Initial stabilisation must occur, and confidence in the Treasury is now paramount. I hope they prescribe the correct treatment at the right dose!

Conservative Health Debate

2008-09-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

Last night I was kindly hosted by Beaconsfield Conservatives and spoke with Dominic Grieve MP (Shadow Home Secretary). Many thanks to all the people who came along to join in the health debate.