There are real problems in the Health Service, which no Government seems to be able to address satisfactorily, says the Archdeacon of Totnes, the Ven. John Rawlings in his sermon at today’s BMA’s traditional church service on the eve of its Annual Conference.
In his sermon in Torquay, today (Sunday 24 June 2007), Archdeacon Rawlings says: “We live in exciting times. But, sadly, the excitement is tempered with much that militates against the ideal of patient-centred medical care. Frustration and anger abound in those who now feel weighed down by bureaucracy, administrative intrusion rather than clinical judgement, over-regulation, league tables and market-based reforms; all of which contribute to feelings of unease, anxiety and even disillusionment, and that amongst some of the most highly motivated people in our society.”“There are real problems in the Health Service which no Government seems to be able to address satisfactorily and yet it remains high on the agenda of those who seek election. The current debacle over the employment of junior doctors and their progression in their profession has brought heartache of immeasurable proportions to those who have already spent long years in training and gaining experience in order to do that one thing which was in their hearts and minds on the day they entered medical school – to make a difference to the lives of their fellow human beings.”
The Archdeacon described doctors as being “part of the heart and hands of God. That, though humbling, is exciting and I hope even amidst all the problems and uncertainties it still excites you and urges you on in the essential and invaluable work you do.“
Source: BMA
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