When snow falls, Nature listens – let’s hope our politicians do too

I’m sure last week would have been a difficult week for many, and for several different reasons. Close to my heart was the widespread industrial action being taken across many areas of the public sector. Much of this disruption continues to appear devoid of solutions; a deadlock where no progress seems possible. Sooner or later the politicians will have to sit down and discuss finding a way forward. In terms of nurses, whilst I think the 19% asked for is unrealistic, I support their cause and hope some middle ground can be found soon. It is not just money that is at stake here either. There is much evidence (see here for examples of studies) to show the positive impact on patent care and mortality, of having the appropriate numbers of qualified nurses in all areas of health care.

I say a big THANK YOU to all those folk who made sure that during the disruption our patients remained cared for, were kept safe, and treated where there was an immediate need for treatment. Of course, there are consequences for everyone. Elective treatments were postponed and these missed surgical and diagnostic admissions and outpatient appointments will add to the already record-high waiting lists. Waiting lists are not just statistics; there are people involved.

Thankfully, Covid and Flu-related admissions have gone down over the past week, and there has been a much welcomed reduction in the numbers of people in hospital who are medically fit to be discharged. But there is a way to go yet in returning things to normal. It is a difficult situation.

Last week, the health crisis wasn’t the only difficult situation facing our politicians. Tuesday saw the Westminster government signal their intention to block Scotland’s ‘Gender Recognition Bill’. I believe that if Scotland is a devolved entity, it should be free to make laws that are appropriate and reflect the prevailing view of the country. I think Westminster’s opposition is yet another example of politicians choosing to ignore the evidence when taking political decisions. For example, in this case, just take a look at the evidence from Argentina, which passed similar legislation in 2012. Although this is not a political blog, I have to say British politics seem to be in a bit of a stagnant mess currently. I truly despair.

There were lighter moments last week, however. One such moment for me was seeing the snow arrive. Snow by the seaside is not common and I think there is something delightful and almost hypnotic about watching the snow fall and slowly cover everything in a white blanket. Fortunately for me, I did not have to drive anywhere and could enjoy the snow from the warmth of my front room. Others were not so fortunate and had to commute through the snow. After many, many years of first having to clear a 500 yard long drive of snow before I could even set off for work, I salute all those folk last week who travelled through the snow to get to work. I would also like to thank the contractors building our new A&E department, Tilbury Douglas Construction, who helped clear our hospital roads and paths of snow last week, keeping my colleagues, our patients and visitors safe. Your help was much appreciated.

I was of course mocked unmercifully by my friends and colleagues from Finland, who declared there wasn’t any snow to be seen in the pictures I posted on social media. I can testify they really do have snow in huge quantities each year, and yet life continues almost without pause there. I didn’t mind the teasing as it brought back some wonderful memories of working with some of the most motivated and compassionate nurse educators I have known. 

One other highlight for me last week was attending the Stockport Health and Wellbeing Board. I have spoken about these meetings before, and I don’t apologise for mentioning then once more. The meetings don’t happen that often and yet they are amazingly good at acknowledging and recognising the work of local councils, health providers and the voluntary sector in coming together to provide services for local communities. Last week’s meeting was no exception. There was a most welcome report on what was being done in response to the cost of living crisis, and there was much to report on. The responses included warm spaces that provided company, tea and biscuits, and in some cases also soup and a sandwich. There was advice about managing energy costs and practical interventions like heated day blankets being provided free to the most vulnerable. Importantly for others, was the direct intervention in the case of those folk being threatened (yes that is the right word) with forcibly having a pre-payment meter being installed for their gas and electric supply.

These meetings are not just about reporting on what has happened, but also provide a place to share plans for what is yet to come. So, amidst all the current turbulence and pressures of the NHS, it was wonderful to be able to discuss plans for tackling some of the causes of poor health and wellbeing across our localities and communities. The focus was on improving outcomes in four main areas: enabling people to be happier and healthier and reducing inequalities; ensuring the provision of safe high quality services which make best use of the Stockport pound; appropriately supporting everyone to take responsibility for their health; and, together, supporting local and economic development.

There were bold initiatives presented which addressed each of these areas of focus, something for another blog maybe. However, they were all precisely the kind of ‘place-based’ intervention approaches that were perhaps envisaged by the development of integrated care systems.  They had also been developed in partnership with local communities. The contrast between the present unremitting demand for health and social care and the possibility of a very different future was stark. I hope the nurses’ dispute gets resolved soon; they deserve an appropriate and early resolution. We will always need nurses and other health care professionals. However, if we can find ways for people to avoid needing to use health care services in the first place, working in health and social care will become even much more rewarding.