Monday, 23 April
Today started with a telephone conference with Department of
Health officials about feedback received in the course of their
Review of Events at Winterbourne View Private Hospital.
Discussion was around a wide range of case scenarios, including
whether and in what circumstances psychiatrists may have a conflict
of interest. We had a very constructive discussion, but I was keen
to point out how, especially in the new commissioning framework,
these potential conflicts stretch across the whole of medicine and
social care.
So, with key players both within and without the College, we
will be taking some work forward to develop underlying principles
for an ethical framework. Our key levers will be revalidated
doctors in accredited services, and how we work with both the GMC
and the CQC.
Over the weekend I had a good, but hard, two days at the
UEMS (European Union of Medical
Specialists) Council meeting. There has been real progress now
across medicine, with at least some harmonisation of examinations
looking like a reality. Psychiatry has to make up its mind about
this, and we can’t, whatever our concerns, be left behind the rest
of medicine. I will be taking this up with the European Psychiatric Association
(EPA) and European
Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (ESCAP). I will
need your views on this, and in my next blog I will send you a
summary of what the UEMS is doing and why it matters to those of us
in the UK.
Meanwhile, work on parity of esteem for mental
and physical health is progressing, and I would like to hear of any
innovative projects you may be involved in.
In between all this, I’m still battling with
my ongoing leaking roof. A 'surveyor' is now involved so I can hear
cash registers going 'ching ching'. And today is my youngest
grandon’s first day at nursery. He’s smiling, but it’s not an easy
day for his mum!
Sue
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