From the Wilderness

NHS

2011-10-12T15:03:00.000+01:00

The NHS is in the news.

Mainly due to the impending privatisation 'by the back door' and the tentacles of private firms making money as a result.

I appreciate the availability of publicly funded health care and, from my personal limited experience of it, long may it remain.

However, and in this piece I am not attacking individual's who work in the service, or the standards of care given in general, I do think a serious review of how the system speaks to its users is needed.

My elderly father has a serious heart compliant and has recently been diagnosed with bowel cancer. Fortunately it appears the doctors are happy that he is capable of dealing with a general anaesthetic so he awaits a letter giving him a date for the operation.

However, in the middle of the current situation, on two recent occasions, lack of communication between staff and patient, and one department and another, has causes undue stress.

My father found himself on a operating table after a 5 hour wait, only to be told that a minor procedure could not be carried out as he was awaiting the cancer operation. Both Medical Teams had been made aware of the patients condition so, it appears, he should never have been called for the minor op.

Recently he was re-admitted for a couple of day due to chest pains.

On release he was given a card with an appointment time to ensure his heart medication was re-set. Or that's the impression both he and I were given.

It transpired this was not the case.

So, this morning, with my sister's support, he has had a number of calls to and from his local GP surgery attempting to clarify who he needs to see and as quickly as possible. As you can imagine, not fun for a sick, stressed elderly man.

So, to conclude - communication is the key folks.

Its not drugs or guns that kill people, its People that kill People.

Pictures

2011-04-26T20:54:00.000+01:00

Just a quick entry.

Spring seems to be a continuation of autumn and winter for me, psychologically.

I usually get miserable when the clocks go back and start to feel happier (well for me) once the sun starts shining again.

I started 'blip'-ing a few months ago and lately, having looked at the pictures I have posted in the last couple of days and weeks a couple of themes seems to be presenting themselves.

Slowing down time and alcohol.

Can't imagine why.

The Delights of The State of things.

2011-02-21T21:34:00.000Z

It goes on.

In the past few days, literally, I have had stories of the failure of the NHS, the Police, Social Services and Education.

There appears to be systemic problems with all of these institutions with regard to any notion of the idea of 'care' for those who come into contact with them, or, if not the institutions, then the people employed in them.

Now this is either due to lack of funds, lack of staff (or the staff's lack of interest for why they are employed), the failure of managers or.. god knows what.

The examples:

1. Elderly patients left to fend for themselves in hospital. Meals left in front of patients unable to feed themselves.
2. No reply to follow up calls to the police in the case of a missing delinquent.
3. No imposition of rules in a school allegedly designed to help kids with special needs.
4. Lack of response from social services.

My advice:

If involved with any public body make as much noise as possible or give up and walk away.

The Hinterland

2010-12-27T20:39:00.000Z

Well, that's that then.

Here we are in that gap between familial fixed grins and New Year tears.

Actually, this year has been much like most of late. Lunch round my Dad's, sober; leave early evening: get plastered.

I actually received a fair number of presents. Mostly down to my overly generous sister who knows how much I drink at the moment and kindly fed my habit.

So, the gap. Luckily I go back to work on Wednesday so I can fill those few hours with frustration and boredom pending an early night on Friday.

I shall not make any resolutions as THAT's something I really don't understand. Even though I do need to take action with regard to my future - both in terms of health and employment and general contentment.

If anyone has any ideas about the last bit...

All the very best!

quiet time

2010-08-24T20:12:00.000+01:00

It seems my blogging is based on frustration, annoyance and anger.

That can't be a good thing, now can it? So I thought I'd write one while calm and reasonably relaxed.

So, gardening eh? What's all that about? And don't get me started on decorating, cars or D.I.Y.

Ok. I need to get angry.

Later.

e-mailgate.

2010-07-06T19:01:00.000+01:00

A bit of history.

A couple of weeks ago I e-mailed a team leader with a couple of queries regarding the working practices of colleagues under his control.

It was, I thought, polite, specific and gave examples of the concerns I thought pertinent to draw to his attention for the better performance of the department and so creating a better experience for our customers.

I believed that, in my role, advising the team leader directly was the best course of action to take. I would then leave it to him to take any action he considered appropriate.

A few days later, my e-mail was returned to me as part of a thread.

The team leader had forwarded my e-mail to all the officers of his team, un-adapted or modified. The boomeranging trail was simply ended with a note from the team leader inviting me to 'see the reply below': one officer had, not surprisingly, responded in a short, direct manner.

Now, I have a few issues with the events as they occurred, but the main one being that a senior officer simply forwarded a genuine work-based issue to their team without either, checking with me directly first if they needed to understand my request, or even to let me know if I had raised my concerns in an in-approriate manner. They then had not even softened the issue by raising it with the team verbally and in his own words, or by adapting my e-mail so that it came 'from him'.

Angered by this I then contacted my team leader expressing my disappointment at the above, i.e. the affect it could have on my working relationship with my colleagues for example.

Bored yet? It gets better.

Today I was told by my team leader, that my original e-mail had apparently been perceived to be so inappropriate that I was very close to being 'spoken to' by my Senior Officer. (Its a whole hierarchy thing. You may have noticed.)

The insanity of the process even got from the team leader, to his senior officer who took it to their colleague, my 'senior officer', and thence to the departmental manager.

Fortunately for me, my team leader has an abundance of common sense and actually defended my actions and even argued that my original e-mail points were valid. Sadly, that issue seems to have been lost in what I shall now forever refer to as 'e-mailgate'.

So today, myself and my team leader had a little chat about it all and, even though at the time I was extremely annoyed at 'e-mailgate' the insanity of the fallout brightened my day no-end.

I shall only say one thing on the matter: it appears to me that, from my personal and no-doubt limited and ill-informed perspective, the lunatics have indeed taken over my asylum.

Disappointment

2010-07-03T09:32:00.000+01:00

Big word.

Big meaning. Big affect.

I have been disappointed and have disappointed as a result.

Its the one thing we can all be assured of, that on many an occasion we will disappoint someone we care about, or be disappointed by some thing.

In my case I got so angry as a consequence not only of my managers' (yes, that's plural) apparent inability to recognise their responsibility for the current state of affairs, my disappointment boiled over resulting in my speechless departure from a meeting before I said things that probably would have got me sacked or, at the very least, a written warning.

Following from that little 'fit of pique' my week did not go well so by Friday my head was not in its best place.

So, I passed my disappointment forward by not attending a social gathering for a friend's son's 17th birthday. As I have known the lad since he was but a bump this did not go down well.

I have disappointed his mother, not unreasonably, by my 'selfish' actions of preferring to stay at home and solve my depression using the power of wine rather than attending the party.

As I have since texted back - it was not my intent to 'disappoint', but then are any of our actions to do that?

That's the problem with disappointment. Its reflexive. We feel it as a consequence of someone else doing or saying something we didn't want them to.

I say: learn to accept that most people don't do what you want them to. Over the years I have been disappointed by many people but I would never make them feel bad about it by actively bringing it to their attention. Maybe that's another of my disappointing traits: maybe I should insist friends and family do things I want them to do more, and tell them I am disappointed in them if they choose not to.

What is Life if not a series of disappointments.

You'd think we'd be used to it by now?

There is always Hope.

"Modern Life is.." Discuss. (Do not use more than 2 sides of A4)

2010-05-15T22:44:00.000+01:00

Yep.

Its about 'work' again. Or at least 'being employed'.

The current position seems to be:

''We have no money. So if You'd be so kind as to work at least twice as hard for less recompense we'll keep you on. Ok with You. Gosh, thanks."

There appears to be a distinct lack of humanity.

Don't get me wrong, I find the next person as annoying as the next person, but I at least try to treat the next person as a person, as opposed to a 'Device to get Me to Something I Want'.

In the world of 'work' the current 'managerial' style seems to consist of:

"We've been tasked to do something that, even with the best will in the world, given the resources We've been lumbered with, is nigh on impossible; but We're not going to admit that publicly 'cos We've told the 'Powers That Be' that We're Great and Can Do what They want want, even though We think They're a bunch of idiots. Cos that's how We got into this position in the first place i.e. by Using Other People."

So, if We are not seen to be achieving the goals set by You, then its not the fault of 'Those In Charge', its the fault of those 'Doing the Work'.

You are just being lazy!

Now, I don't know about you, but to me this has the whiff of a totalitarian state hiding in the shadow of a real need to change how work is carried out for the real benefit of all of us.

Sounds familiar.

We Know what We're Doing. You need to be controlled because You are a child who needs their hand held.

If You are naughty We will punish You. Even though We have no idea what We are doing, but it gives Us the air of superiority and a sense of control.

What ever happened to Us?

we are being watched.

2010-02-25T21:06:00.000Z

I'd blog...

But.. I'm either too angry and incoherent. Or not angry enough so cant drum up the interest.

So.

How've you been?

Creativity, Twitter & The Blog.

2010-01-10T17:02:00.000Z

Been thinking about the inertia issue. Again.

I was wondering why I am able to waste entire days sitting about, watching t.v., watching dvds, commenting on the 'evil' Twitter, with occasional Facebook updates.

A Tweeting friend brought up the issue of 'creativity'.

In some ways Twitter is creative. Either from the point of view of instigating a multi-braching conversation, making someone 'LOL' at a comment or reply, by sharing photographs or by introducing, or being introduced to, new ideas, music, artists etc as a result of following a posted link.

However, true creativity is not spontaneous.

It may result from a single idea, a mark on a page, but requires consideration, refining, honing and, most importantly in my opinion, time to mature.

I have toyed with creativity, wrote a derivative novel at age 19 (who hasn't!) and even sent it off to a few agents. I take photographs (doesn't EVERYONE these days?) some of which have been admired by friends and some of which even I think are okay. I even submitted words for a page of a collective online comic event which was used. Ahh, the irrational joy I felt to see my words translated into a picture.

I also have a friend who writes and it is this aspect that I think is really important.

The thing about Twitter and Facebook and all these 'social networking' sites, is that they bring folk like me into contact with people who can and do creative stuff. Its the standard thought: well if THEY can do it why can't I?

The answer, of course, is 'I' can.

But, and its a big BUT, the distinction between those who do and those who dream is the Act itself. It is the determination to do something; the energy and commitment to see something through or to put something on one side if it isn't 'working', the self-belief and, as important I think, a supportive environment.

Maybe I should try to write something. All I need is a good idea and a bit of determination not to waste Time.

Inertia & the Work/Life Thing.

2009-11-29T17:11:00.001Z

I think I'm in a rut.

Actually I know I'm in a rut.

The 'Work/Life' balance rut, or possibly it's the 'Mid-life crisis' point.

I have always objected to the concept of the 'work/life balance' since the notion that one's work is not part of one's life seems fundamentally wrong to me. The best method of getting through Life (capital L) is trying to find something that's satisfying for the majority of the time available.

Sadly, in my case, the necessary 'work' aspect of Life is disproportionately annoying and has the adverse affect of causing my innate inertia to be brought to the fore when I'm not there.

The thought of doing something in the time I am not at work that I might find enjoyable would mean I resent work even more.

What I'd like to do is to find Work I enjoy doing in addition to doing stuff when I'm not doing That.

I have only myself to blame I suppose. I either need to jump ship, actually or metaphorically, or jump in and start exploring what I can do and decide want out of life even if that may be a bit late.

Words

2009-11-15T12:17:00.001Z

My original plan was to comment on the theme of how the choices we make affect our lives in the vein of the Doctor Who story "Turn Left".

However, following a Twitter incident, the idea, while thematically similar, has itself has been re-directed.

I was watching Mr Harry Hill's comedy programme and had already commented about it when a fellow tweeter, twitterer.. (you'd think I'd know the correct terms by now!) also tweeted about Mr H's comedy god-like stature.

Assuming my fellow viewer had watched the whole show, I tweeted at them a 'comment', which, if that had been the case, would have been picked up and understood in the mutual pleasure/humourous manner intended.

Unfortunately, they had not been the case, so - quite naturally, they were taken aback by my tweet.

I hastily apologised and explained the tweet.

Now, as I am not one who takes pleasure in intentionally upsetting friends, aquaintances or even complete strangers (I still feel 'bad' about it now!), the incident highlights not only the power in a single word, but also the affect expressing it can have.

So, in keeping with my original plan for this blog: the choices we make, from which side of the bed we get out of to what words we choose to use can have a profound affect on ourselves and others.

Turn, left, turn right. Speaking your mind, keep your views to yourself. Writing something down and sending it, or deciding to delete or bin it will ALL cause tiny changes to how we view the world and how other people view us.

Just saying.

The Importance of the Little Black Box

2009-11-08T10:52:00.000Z

I like 'stuff'.

You can't beat the delight of unwrapping a shiny new toy in all its (usually) glossy black slickness.

The first time you press the 'on' switch or, as is more likely these days, stroke the surface in a vaguely lascivious manner as if enticing the item to do its thing rather than like it was in olden times ( 2001, 2002), when you poked it into life with an aggressive finger.

The way the lights glow and pulse as 'the box' is fluttering its diodes at you, Siren-like: ". Stroke me, insert that into me. Look what I can show you in 1080p. Listen as I whisper to you in 7.1."

Then the thing starts to get fickle.

Then the gadget starts to get demanding.

"I need attention! I can't do what you want me to until You do what I want You to do."

When did that happen? When did it start that the stuff we buy makes us do stuff for it or it would take its bat and ball home, or just refuse to come out to play at all!

Now, it seems, everything needs up-grading every five minutes. "A new version is available: do you want to down-load now?" The underlying, unspoken line being: "if you don't you wont be cool, you'll be left behind, or worse: you wont even be able to use me at all." The Horror!

Yes, I know other stuff, like cars, need care and attention, needs to be treated like a family pet, but when did a video tape recorder or walkman ever need a monthly overhaul in order to keep doing what it did. Or the washing machine for that matter!

Of course, I wont stop buying Stuff, I like it too much. I, like most of my fellow humans, seem to crave The New, the necessity to change in the hope that this means improvement to MY life.

However, as evolution of the human variety hasn't seemed to improve our lot overall (bigger and better sticks to hit each other with), the constant evolution of technology only seems to make us more slaves to the device.

Now, where's my ipod?

It Only Takes a Good Man to Do Nothing...

2009-11-02T20:19:00.004Z

Don't you just love politicians?

Okay, no-one loves politicians, except their mothers, loved ones and children (I assume).

On Sunday I sent my previous blog to my local MP with a little more detail. My hope was that he may be able to assist, or advise on what might be possible.

While I appreciate he is far too busy to reply himself, his kindly secretary responded very promptly to my missive. Here is a part of that reply explaining why he could not help:

"One reason being that your sister is not one of [MP's name] constituents and we have very strict Parliamentary rules which stipulate MPs can only take up cases on behalf of their own constituents.

Secondly, even if your sister was a constituent, [MP's name] could not help via a third party. Your sister would have to contact him directly herself as data protection issues would come into force, particularly with medical issues and patient confidentiality."

So, in essence: Not My Problem. As you can see, it was suggested my sister contact her local MP. WELL DUH!

Are MP's part of a 'team'? Can they not address the 'issue' rather than the specific case? Can they be 'bothered' at all?

So fair reader: not only do we exist in a bureaucratic nightmare world where medical, educational & social services don't link up, we also have to suffer a situation where our political representatives are not prepared or, it seems, 'able' to involve themselves with addressing fundamental problems in the system.

What chance do we have?

Modern Times

2009-11-01T16:27:00.003Z

I have a sister.

She is a sensible, well educated woman who had a career but gave it up due to her love for her youngest child.

This child had always been 'unique' as a small child and my sister had thought there may be 'something' amiss. The way the child reacted to people, the obsessive behaviour and determinedly controlling nature, the little ways that seemed at odds with what might be considered 'normal' even allowing for every individual's eccentricities.

Time moved on and by the age of 7/8 my sister requested an educational psychology report be carried out by her local education department due to her concerns for her child.

Nothing was done.

Time moved on.

Now, at nearly the age of 15 and having been absent from education for virtually a year now, those who are best placed to help this child find a place in the world have done nothing and are in the process of returning the child to its mother's primary care.

For the past 10 months the child has been in the care of an extremely celebrated private 'Facility'.

Sectioned in order to be sent to one of their establishments, the child was diagnosed as suffering from an extreme form of Asperger's Syndrome. My sister had already advised the medical profession that this was her belief. Prior to admission, the child had lived in their room for the previous four months; attacked and verbally abused their mother who was attempting to get help for her child. Initial visits by social services, originally intended to consider supporting her at home, resulted in the forced move to the Facility.

As you may know, this condition presents itself as obsessive compulsive behaviour added to an chronic inability to relate to other people. Especially those in authority.

Following admission and subsequent de-sectioning, the child's condition was such that re-sectionioning was required. I have been lead to understand that this action is very rare, so indicates this child has very severe needs. They have since come off 'section'.

The main reason for the history is to explain my current amazement and anger at what is ostensibly perceived to be a Facility designed to assist people who suffer the way the child does has done nothing for them other than to NAME the condition. It has apparently, only half-heartedly attempted to help them deal with the condition. In fact, for the past several months all it has done is provide bed & board.

For a 'caring' facility, I have nothing but contempt for the complete lack of any organised or systematic attempts to HELP this child acknowledge or deal with their condition. It now appears to be want to return the child to exactly the situation that existed prior to the admission on the basis that it can do nothing for them.

The child has very vehemently stated that they are not prepared to return to the care of my sister, who is perceived as the cause of their current predicament. The father chose to buy a one bed flat many years ago - so, although living with him that is the child's preferred option this would appear to be impractical.

My sister is now faced with a situation where that Facility wants the child gone; the local social services department wants the child gone due to the expense; the mother will now, potentially, have to deal with a child who hates them and has threatened to accuse her partner of abuse, and worse, should they be forced to return to that home.

It seems to me, from a distance away geographically and judging only from reports from my sister, that there is no practical, long term help for people in similar situations. Yes there are doctors, psychologists, social workers and educationalists but none of these diverse but vital functions are joined-up in an shape or form. Each does its little bit and 'passes the buck' to another.

If children and young adults similarly afflicted are to survive then please let these services designed to help people ACTUALLY HELP them.

The ideal situation for this child is some form of secure, boarded educational establishment but instead of investigating this option, the Powers That Be seem to think returning the child to her mother, expect her to return to ordinary state education is an acceptable option. Anyone with a modicum of wit can realise that, should the child be forced to return home, both the families and the child's situation can only deteriorate.

To conclude:

I have had previous family experience of The Medical System. Based on this situation, and the previous one, my only conclusion is, should you ever need to use these services be prepared to kick, fight and bite your way to what you need. If you don't, you will be abandoned to whatever resources you have.

Time moves on.

The Morning After

2009-11-01T11:21:00.000Z

Okay.

So, this 'blogging' thing. It strikes me that, as an exercise in ordering one's thoughts on whatever happens to flit across my mind, its quite a good idea.

Also, should I get overly incensed about something I shall endeavour to research the issue before spouting off so at least it'll be 'vaguely' informed.

If I can work out how to include picture and/or videos I may even post that sort of stuff too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU2ftCitvyQ for example, something I was recently made aware of and its got a good beat!.

See I can be taught. So, until I feel the need: have a picture of a cloud to keep you going.

An Entry in the Wilderness

2009-11-01T00:06:00.001Z

It is approximately 00:07 am on Sunday 1 November 2009. But then you know Time.

This is the first of a series of shenanigans from my mind.

It is simply 'Hello' from the terms of my perceived existence following a couple of bottles of in expensive red wine.

Should I think of any insightful things to say I may jolly well write them down for public consumption.