DrPhilHammond.com - Latest Comments

Re: Medicine Balls, Private Eye, Issue 1306

JUDI MARTIN — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:58:23 -0000

From the Secretary of State for Health's own website -"Andrew frequently visits hospitals and GPs across the country, listening to clinicians and NHS professionals and is well respected across the medical profession for his knowledge fo the NHS"!!

This aside, what I can never fathom in all Cabinets, whether Labour or Conservative/LibDem is why the key posts are not given to MPs with relevent expertise in the subject role - surely that would make far more sense? Then blow me, when they 'possibly' begin to have some handle on their remit and start to understand something of how their particular area works.....the parties do a re-shuffle, or they're out the door for some form of misconduct or another!!!!

Phil, you really should go into politics :))

Re: Medicine Balls, Private Eye, Issue 1305

EdmundoVentolera — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:17:06 -0000

Managers should be rated on how well they deal with such issues. If they have dealt with several, and dealt well with them, they should progress.

If they haven't had any issues they should be moved to a more challenging area, and a more junior manager given their issue-free domain.

When we run out of challenging areas, we no longer need highly paid managers. The service will be well run and at low cost.

Re: Medicine Balls, Private Eye, Issue 1305

Richard Lanigan — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:03:18 -0000

Of course there is payback when you blow the whistle and the reason there can be pay back is because very often the majority dont want to get involved. This is the irony of whisleblowing, when you do it, hopefully you are trying to help people, but realising many may not need help at that moment in time. Alternsatively you could be a vindictive person calling a hotline like this to make trouble.

As someone who was elected onto a regulatory body the GCC and then blew the whistle on them, I knew there would be consequences for my actions. I did not seek protection I knew I could justify my actions. They took they view I had breached their code of " collective responsibility" & confidentiality" and voted me off the council. To some this damaged my reputation, I wear my removal like a badge of honour

Re: Dr Phil’s Private Eye Column Issue 1263, May 12, 2010

Siobhan Kendrick — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:47:46 -0000

I thought this piece was brilliant. It highlights the desperate need for change when you see what I call a "corporate thuggery" mentality. I am so sorry for Cornwall that they lost a good CEO. Having looked at the brief on the current one, Steve Moore, I felt that they had got themselves a "yes-man". His CV was very lack-lustre. This bullying mentality spreads downward like a cancer and eventually this behaviour becomes common currency. Thuggery breeds thuggery and senior executives will take on this mind-set.

Re: Private Eye 1293 July 23, 2011

Guest — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:06:23 -0000

Given that the hospital won't comment prior to the tribunal hearing, don't you have the faintest suspicion that you have received a highly selective version of events from an aggrieved party? Perhaps you could tell us why the BMA declined to represent him in the tribunal?

Re: Medicine Balls, Private Eye, Issue 1302

Sam Barnett-Cormack — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:45:16 -0000

Restructure won't just leave staff demoralised and patients neglected... it will also lead to money having been siphoned off to private sector partners!

Re: Medicine Balls, Private Eye, Issue 1301, November 9, 2011

NHS Comment — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:38:05 -0000

Yes well said couldnt agree more! It seems ironic on the one hand the DH is now doing so many inquiries into why there have been so many systematic failures whilst on the other whistleblowers are still persecuted and gagged.Obviously its all about each trust hushing things up and protecting itself often at the severe expense of its patients,complianants or those that are outspoken. Dismissing those who they see as trouble makers ...for swearing, yet each will swear blind that they are not responsible for bullying ,harassment or have dehumanising standards of care well thats not Panorama showed the world then people say they were shocked at how practice like this occuring is due quite simply to unprofessionalism, denial and cover ups-protecting finances , reputation and image rather than addressing what should be at the very heart of the NHS that is care. I also agree that lawyers fees should come out of COE own pockets and not public funds and that patients should be entitle to a full refund for mistakes, incorrect diagnosis and treatment that doesnt work , referrals not done delays and all the rest of the repetitive mistakes made by those who dont really care quite simply because its not happening to them . Walker,was sacked was swearing nine times in 2 years meanwhile those who are responsible for attrocious treatment( directly or indirectly) remain in their jobs often on six figure salaries with unlimited legal funding from the public purse to burn , without any question however victims cant even get lawyers let alone refunds or respect. The NHS has become like an army of gold diggers, with golden hand shakes ,no wonder even those committed turn a blind eye, as when people do speak up they are ignored, viewed as trouble makers , not good for the business, legally silenced why anyone would have thought that the public have a right to know what is happening in the NHS and why is it happening when the UK has one of the highest taxation rates in the world. It follows therefore that we should have one of the best health services in the world, if not why , well thats a question the NHS fat cats know about but does want to talk about- what a bad example to lead , no wonder the NHS is in a cash stripped mess

Re: Medicine Balls, Private Eye, Issue 1301, November 9, 2011

Madkir — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:46:03 -0000

we/public pay for the nhs.. so I assume we/public pay for them to employ solicitors to fight against us?
Doesn't seem right does it that we are paying for them to destroy us?
Maybe? we need a petition for any lawyers fee's to come out of the CEO's own pockets? OR whoever wants to gag anyone including whistleblowers.
Maybe? they would think twice of destroying our lives IF? they had to pay for the lawyers themselves.
I've never heard so much rubbish in all my life because someone used the word F***. maybe? the public should start listening to ANY nhs staff and if they swear then report them.
They do pull some stunts.. what a shambles the nhs is now.

Re: Dr Phil’s Private Eye Column, Issue 1271 September 15

Cobo — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:26:37 -0000

are you seriously suggesting that someone working as a press officer for an SHA would suggest that he would end up like David Kelly.

Are you seriously suggesting that an NHS press officer could summon up the dark forces of the secret service to do away with him?

Naturally, MI5 were not worried about international terrorism at this time. All their resources were intent upon making sure that the issue about negative pressure rooms did not come out.

If it did, it would lead to the collapse of Western culture and create a rise in acne among adolescents/

Re: Medicine Balls, Private Eye, Issue 1301, November 9, 2011

Andy Williamson — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:00:34 -0000

"The trust claims he was sacked for saying ‘fuck’ nine times over 2 years"
I'm incredulous - and outraged - that they believe that THIS is a rational and rightful reason for dismissing someone, never mind the main thrust of this story.

Re: Private Eye 1295 August 31, 2011

SC — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 06:10:28 -0000

The whole thing is disgraceful. Huge sums of public money wasted and livelihood destroyed of someone who was brave enough to speak up for the patients. Where is justice? Nothing happens to the individuals within the Trust for their wrongdoings. The word 'Gestapo' comes to mind.
It's time that whistle-blowing is seriously looked at and not just given a lip service.Trusts need to be held accountable for their actions. They should not be given endless access to public funds to pay for barristers/lawyers for cover up their wrongdoings. Whistle-blowers are left with huge legal bill which they end up having to pay for themselves. There is inequality of access to justice. Even if a whistle-blower wins, they have to fund their own legal fees. This should be changed. Although many cases end up not going to full tribunal as frequently whistle-blowers run out of money and so none of trusts wrongdoings are highlighted and responsible key managers get away and continue to enjoy the fulfilment of enjoying a normal working life while setting an example to others within the trust who may be considering voicing their concerns.Where was CQC, DOH, treasury etc when this was happening? What have they got to say for themselves?

Re: Live Show DVD available now!

teranick — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:25:26 -0000

Re:'Question Time' BBC 13 Oct 2011. Watched with delight as Hammond verbally dismembered Landsley whose sheepish discomfort appeared to continue for some time afterwards...

Re: Live Show DVD available now!

tobascosaucetomas — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:01:37 -0000

sorry about errors bellow why been repeated twice

Re: Live Show DVD available now!

tobascosaucetomas — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:00:38 -0000

I found Dove hand cream soothing for my spine pain don't know why

Re: Live Show DVD available now!

tobascosaucetomas — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:40:26 -0000

I watched Hammond comments which I admired his honesty

about patients which should not be judged by the look,

one doctor in the past said to me

some patients have a bit of a flue they look like they are going to die while others are seriously sick they look very well

Re: Private Eye 1291 Medicine Balls June 22, 2011

undeclared COI — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:53:20 -0000

Dr Hammond, as you can tell, lives with his family in the south of England.

Re: Private Eye 1293 July 23, 2011

Rachel Dumont-baber — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 09:12:34 -0000

I have already written to my MP about this subject & posted on my facebook and linked-in sites. Dr Hammond we need more like you. Thank you.

Re: Dr Phil’s Private Eye Column, Issue 1271 September 15

Cobo — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 18:26:40 -0000

What a load of rubbish.

It just appears that all the professionals involved did not agree with Peter Brambleby.

And thus he became a victim.

Despite his rants there has not been any suggestion that the Norfolk and Norwich hospital is unsafe.

If you read Brambelby's assertions, then it is reasonable that someone could conclude that he is being paranoid.

Re: Private Eye 1293 August 4, 2011

Harry — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 06:41:28 -0000

I have a new e-petition just posted on the government's website "Petition to enhance patient safety, save public money, and protect NHS whistleblowers, through statutory disincentives for mismanagement". http://epetitions.direct.gov.u... sign, and tell people about it.

Re: Private Eye 1294 August 17, 2011

Neil Pullinger — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 06:31:33 -0000

Really quite disturbing.

Re: Private Eye 1293 August 4, 2011

Meeaston — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:45:08 -0000

Why don't you issue a code of conduct for NHS employers on whistleblowing, and list/ publicise the ones who sign up to it and those who don't. I suspect you would find enough Trusts would sign up to shame the ones who don't. It would also be something for the local public (LiNKs) to get behind. I'm sure the NHS Confederation would help you draft it.

Re: Private Eye 1291 Medicine Balls June 22, 2011

SOSLeeds — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:54:11 -0000

BTW while im at it anon youve got a cheek to even bring up the filling in questionnaires thing in when ive got friends at newcastle on FB competing to see how many postcards voting for their option they could fill in and bragging about sending hundreds of texts to the number to keep newcastle open!!! How flaming well dare you!! x

Re: Private Eye 1291 Medicine Balls June 22, 2011

SOSLeeds — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:17:02 -0000

Anon... just for your information. I am cared for under the Leeds General Infirmary and have been for more than 20 odd years! Im living with complex uncorrected congenital heart disease and should leeds close WILL NOT travel to Newcastle been there and done it before and its too far. So NO newcastle will not meet their 400 making them unsafe by safe and sustainables terms.

Secondly how blooming offensive (im not going to swear) for the past few months Ive spent almost every day out getting the petitions signed for the SOS campaign. I even nearly missed my graduation ball for the campaign before the other heart mums threatened an intervention! How dare you overlook the contributions of the parents and adults and so many others by assuming you know all. What you said was cruel and as a fellow heart parent or adult fighting for your unit id have assumed you knew better and might think twice because you more than anyone should know the demands they are already facing. Id suggest you think twice before pulling down other peoples hard work because the parents and adults at leeds deserve to take the credit for their hard work and half a million signatures they have worked hard for them!

As for the CHF well i think they might find themselves in trouble with if they carry on like this because we have been assured at Leeds that this is just another political tactic in their campaign to keep the units open that Ann Keatley Clark has already said she agrees with... head of CHF saying which units she prefers hmmm do we need a dictionary to look up the phrase impartial?? The word slander springs to mind!!! x

Re: Private Eye 1291 Medicine Balls June 22, 2011

Dee — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 17:30:12 -0000

NHS services are failing.....there's a grand plan which works on paper but doesn't take into account the socio-demographics on the areas they are covering. DON'T build care homes away from accessible public transport systems (usually next to industrial parks) Cover for work placements is usually taken from the "local area" where the priority seems to be 'how much can I get with doing as little as possible"
Shameful!

Re: Medicine Balls, Private Eye Issue 1283

Jessica Forester — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 10:43:53 -0000

After 6 months of offering stem cell therapy in combination with the venous angioplasty liberation procedure, patients of CCSVI Clinic have reported excellent health outcomes. Ms. Kasma Gianopoulos of Athens Greece, who was diagnosed with the Relapsing/Remitting form of MS in 1997 called the combination of treatments a “cure”. “I feel I am completely cured” says Ms. Gianopoulos, “my symptoms have disappeared and I have a recovery of many functions, notably my balance and my muscle strength is all coming (back). Even after six months, I feel like there are good changes happening almost every day. Before, my biggest fear was that the changes wouldn’t (hold). I don’t even worry about having a relapse anymore. I’m looking forward to a normal life with my family. I think I would call that a miracle.”Other recent MS patients who have had Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT), or stem cell therapy have posted videos and comments on YouTube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFQr2e.... Avneesh Gupte, the Neurosurgeon at Noble Hospital performing the procedure has been encouraged by results in Cerebral Palsy patients as well. “We are fortunate to be able to offer the treatment because not every hospital is able to perform these types of transplants. You must have the specialized medical equipment and specially trained doctors and nurses”. With regard to MS patients, “We are cautious, but nevertheless excited by what patients are telling us. Suffice to say that the few patients who have had the therapy through us are noticing recovery of neuro deficits beyond what the venous angioplasty only should account for”.Dr. Unmesh of Noble continues: “These are early days and certainly all evidence that the combination of liberation and stem cell therapies working together at this point is anecdotal. However I am not aware of other medical facilities in the world that offer the synthesis of both to MS patients on an approved basis and it is indeed a rare opportunity for MS patients to take advantage of a treatment that is quite possibly unique in the world”.Autologous stem cell transplantation is a procedure by which blood-forming stem cells are removed, and later injected back into the patient. All stem cells are taken from the patient themselves and cultured for later injection. In the case of a bone marrow transplant, the HSC are typically removed from the Pelvis through a large needle that can reach into the bone. The technique is referred to as a bone marrow harvest and is performed under a general anesthesia. The incidence of patients experiencing rejection is rare due to the donor and recipient being the same individual.This remains the only approved method of the SCT therapy.