Skip to main content

My Medical and Public Health Wish List for 2021

2020 was a difficult year for many people all over the world (if only we had the benefit 20-20 hindsight at the start of the year). Here is a list of 10 developments I would like to see in 2021.

  1. A much better government response to the Covid-19 pandemic with interventions introduced at the right time and correct scale.
  2. A rapid rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination programme so that target groups such as older people, those with long-term health problems, NHS staff and other key workers such as teachers and people working in high-risk occupations can be protected.
  3. Awareness that the Covid-19 pandemic must be ended globally, not just in richer countries, and ensuring that people across the globe have access to the vaccines that will be introduced in 2021.
  4. Better government policies to address key health challenges and risk factors for poor health such as poor diets, lack of exercise, and obesity; along with the wider determinants of health such as housing, education, poverty, and employment.
  5. Greater support for our schools and teachers who have been outstanding in 2020 in trying to keep children educated during the midst of a global pandemic.
  6. Respect for science and a reduction in the anti-science conspiracy theories that are some common on social media and in everyday conversations.
  7. Greater support and recognition of the role played by primary care in ensuring good access to healthcare and improved health outcomes globally.
  8. A positive relationship with our European neighbours and with the European Union. 
  9. An adequate replacement for the ERASMUS programme so that or students can benefit from the social, cultural and education opportunities that placements at universities in other European countries can bring.
  10. An improvement in the IT systems that staff working in the NHS have to use. Poor IT leads to high levels of stress among NHS staff, and wastes valuable time and money that could be used to better effect elsewhere.

This is just a small list. Let me know what’s on your wish list for 2021. 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Protecting Against the "Quad-demic": Influenza, Covid-19, Norovirus and RSV

As the NHS braces for a challenging winter season, it is grappling with a "quad-demic" of health emergencies caused by influenza, Covid-19, norovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This confluence of viral threats poses a significant risk to public health in the UK as well as putting strain on healthcare resources, emphasising the importance of preventive measures to safeguard public health. Public health measures such a vaccination and good personal hygiene are pivotal in reducing the impact of these illnesses, particularly for vulnerable groups. The Four Viruses: What Are They? Influenza: A highly contagious respiratory infection that causes significant illness each winter. It can lead to severe complications, particularly in the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions. Covid-19: Though its most acute phase has passed, Covid-19 remains a concern, especially as new variants of SA...
Post a Comment
Read more

MPH Student Presentations on the NHS Care.Data Programme

As part of a session on primary care data in the Health Informatics module on the Imperial Master of Public Health Programme, I asked students to work in two groups to present arguments for and against the NHS Care.Data programme. Care.Data is an NHS programme that will extract data from the medical records held by general practitioners (GPs) in England. The Care.Data programme takes advantage of the very high level of use of electronic medical records by GPs in England. After extraction, data will be uploaded to the NHS Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC). The data will then be used for functions such as health care planning, monitoring disease patterns and research. The programme has been controversial with proponents arguing that the programme will bring many benefits for the NHS and the population of England; and opponents arguing it is a major breach of privacy. You can view the two presentations to help inform you further about these arguments: Arguments fo...
6 comments
Read more

How can we work successfully across the health and care system to make a success of Pharmacy First?

Pharmacies in England to begin treating patients for seven common conditions. How can we work successfully across the health and care system to make a success of Pharmacy First? 1. The Pharmacy First scheme aims to provide convenient access to healthcare through community pharmacies. Patients with minor ailments or common conditions can seek advice and treatment directly from their local pharmacy instead of visiting a general practice, urgent care centre or emergency department. The conditions covered by the scheme may vary depending on local funding arrangements and participation of pharmacies.  2, A potential problem with Pharmacy First is pharmacists misdiagnosing a patient's condition. It may also lead to delays in patients seeing doctors when medical assessment is needed. To mitigate these risks, appropriate safeguards and referral pathways should be established, ensuring timely medical assessment when necessary. The scheme will also increase the workload of pharmacies, thereb...
Post a Comment
Read more