Yesterday’s newspaper headlines were dominated by the word ‘chaos’. Chaos and chaos theory has long interested me. I’m fascinated by the notion that random events can have an impact on something, perhaps people, events or outcomes, through their seemingly unrelated interconnections.
Such disorder and confusion could
be seen last week, mainly, but not exclusively, to do with what happened at the
Port of Dover. I hope none of my readers were caught up in the chaos of trying
to start their holiday. Actually, last week felt a particularly chaotic week for
many, me included.
Monday was the start of our mini
heatwave – although up here in the North West temperatures weren’t as extreme
as had been predicted. It was warm but not excessively so. Tuesday was a
different story. I got in my car to drive home to find the inside temperature was
45c, which did feel warm. There was certainly a lot more disruption throughout
the day, and I take my hat off to all those folk working during this heat over
that 48 hour period. Particular to all my NHS colleagues who were working in
buildings, many of which were not designed to deal with such heat. Colleagues
working in estates and catering did an absolutely sterling job of keeping wards,
buildings and people cool. True teamwork.
Wednesday dawned and it was considerably
cooler. Just as well, as I was attending one of the University of Salford’s graduation
ceremonies. I was there for the last of my PhD students. Graduation ceremonies are
what I would call ‘organised chaos’. There is often much confusion, but
eventually everything falls into place and the ceremonies get done. The academic
robing room, usually a chaotic and fraught environment, was unusually calm when
I walked in. Sadly, my robes hadn’t arrived. The lady in charge was very kind
and got me kitted out in a Strathclyde Doctoral gown. It was a delicate shade
of pale blue. Wearing it didn’t feel right, but as my mother was often wont to
say ‘beggars can’t be choosers’. Thankfully she lived in an era where
woke was something you did after being asleep.
The ceremonial procession was
wonderful, the speeches a shade too long, the women’s shoes outstandingly impractical
for walking across the stage, the brass band music inspirational and a good
time was had by all. Saying goodbye to the students, a group of us went for a
meal and a celebratory drink. It was fun, and by the time I got on the tram to
the station I was in good spirits. My good mood didn’t last. I walked onto the
platform to see my planned train home leaving the station. I had missed it by a
few seconds. That’s when the chaos started in earnest.
The next two trains were cancelled,
the one after eventually came into the station, everyone got off, including the
driver and conductor, and the train lights were turned off. We were told it
wasn’t going anywhere as there were no more drivers, but there was a train
coming from the airport which would be going all the way to Blackpool. It took
another 40 mins to arrive and the journey home took another hour. So, it was
01.45 when I eventually climbed into bed, a bed that I climbed out of again at
04.30 to go to work.
Last Thursday it was hard doing
the early morning chores, feeding the animals, taking Dylan the dog for his first
walk, but I was able to leave in time. As I drove towards Manchester, I listened
to Radio 4’s Farming Today programme. I have listened to it for years.
Its focus is on agriculture and horticulture, and fishery issues and the reporting is all about realpolitik. Thursday’s programme explored the impact of our recently agreed trade
deal with New Zealand. The overwhelming view of the farmers interviewed was
that it would be extremely damaging to British agriculture. I continued on my
way but 30 mins later got stuck in a 7 mile traffic jam on the M60. A lorry
had caught fire during the night and 3 of the 4 lanes were coned off. It was
utter disorder and confusion. It took me 90 mins to get through the jam. Which meant
I was able to listen to the Liz Truss interview on Radio 4’s Today
programme. Unlike the farmers, she thought the deal she had agreed with New Zealand was the best
thing since sliced bread. Sadly, we will have to wait as only time will tell
who is right. I’m just thankful to be a vegetarian.
One of the things we don’t have to wait to find out is who will be footing the bill for the NHS pay award announced last Tuesday by our new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay. There was already a 3% pay rise baked into existing NHS budgets but much anxiety over who might have to pay for anything over this percentage point rise. On Friday, I received a letter from the sometimes demonised NHS England Chief Financial Officer Julian Kelly saying that the Pay Review Board recommendations (most of which were much higher than 3%) would be funded in full from central NHS funds. The decision to fully fund these pay rises means front line services will be protected. More than ever now, this is so important. The NHS is currently seeing 10% more patients than in pre-pandemic times, a reflection of an amazing contribution from colleagues being made even at time of continuing Covid challenges. The letter and what it represents was a most welcome and timely response.
It was a letter that acknowledged that NHS colleagues have, and continue to make, such a difference to so many people lives. It is my sincere hope the pay uplift announced is enough to avoid the chaos and conflict that would inevitably arise from NHS colleagues taking industrial action in pursuit of a possible bigger pay rise. This might not be a popular assertion, and it it definitely not a political point. My hope is that we continue to seize the many opportunities we currently have to transform and improve how the NHS delivers its services in a more integrated way.
*Sun Tzu
No comments:
Post a Comment