When I first started this blog, I had virtually no idea what I wanted to do with it. Anyone who's read it will know that I still don't. I think I was just shocked to discover that the domain name describing my profession was still unregistered, so I wanted to claim it and put up some flowers. Possibly with the intention of selling it on to Specsavers for a six figure sum.
But having planted a few seeds (mostly daisies), and watched things grow over the past few months, it's been brought to my attention by certain shadowy figures within the NHS (although they're only shadowy because we're trying to save on the lighting bill) that I could be on slightly dodgy ground when it comes to information governance. Apparently if just one 95-year-old diabetic gets herself a computer, manages to find her glasses, and enters 'Retinal Screener' into Google, I could be in trouble.
Fortunately I've completed the NHS 'Handling Complaints Positively' course, which included surprisingly little advice on sulking, and after much thought, I've decided to draw things to a close, in the hope of steering clear of the justice system. Harriet Harman's Court of Public Opinion might let me off, but the Old Bailey won't.
So this will be my last post for the time being. I'd just like to thank all the people who have e-mailed me over the past few months, in particular: the chap who used this site to prepare for an interview (and got the job); the person who told me that if I want to speak at the next BARS conference, I only have to ask (I'm still not sure I believe that); the man who stays in the grading room until 9pm to read this stuff; the people who claim they've fallen off chairs laughing at it; and above all, the lady who told me that her friend thought she was a rectal screener. Your compliments have been greatly appreciated. Maybe we should all start using the BARS Forum now.
I'd just like to finish this blog in the same way I started it: by saying that I love my job, the people I work with, and even most of the patients. I've only ever trodden on one person's toes (and he had neuropathy, so he didn't notice), but that's one person too many, and it was never my intention to risk making anyone feel uncomfortable. So I'll stop before I do.
But in the meantime, join me over at my new site - www.RetinalScreeningDiploma.com - where I'll be posting the answers to all nine City & Guilds units.
(Just kidding).
RS
5 comments:
Oh no I've only just found this site and have loved reading it. I'm disappointed but thanks anyway.
I am so sad you are signing off. A voice of reason that echos the thoughts of those of us on the front line, but expressed in an entertaining way.
Ive only just found you dont leave us now! you made me laugh out loud! Lesley x
Your blog made me laugh out loud.
I worked on UKPDS for many years and we had a list of reasons why people hadn't come for screening, it was quite a long list. It included things like 'Berry harvest', 'Lambing', screener broke ankle, screener broke other ankle..... there were dozens and dozens of wonderful reasons and we used to put them on Powerpoint slides and so everyone at the meetings could see them but of course that was before everyone started worrying so much about everything....
Really will miss your humor and the usefulness of your site. Are you blogging at the new address, or will it be just dry scientific abstractions?
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