Clin Med
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The key to any successful healthcare system is the recognition of the inseparable partnerships between the individual patient and their doctor. Diseases can be studied in populations but in contrast, patients are individuals and must be respected as such. There are several reasons why this partnership has been eroded as the NHS evolved over the last 60 years. ⋯ There is an urgent need for government, management, the medical regulators, the profession and patients to work together, mutually respecting and trusting each others' complementary skills, responsibilities and needs. Consultation with any of these groups alone has not and will not resolve the problem. The colleges working with patients now have a leading opportunity to ensure that whatever changes are introduced into the NHS, this crucial partnership is recognised as the enduring linchpin in quality medical care of patients.
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Neurology in England is expanding rapidly. In 2005 there were, on average, 7.2 (2.5) new and 16.8 (8.6) follow-up appointments per 1,000 population, an increase of 24% and 19% respectively since 2003. The chance of an individual being seen in this specialty varies widely according to primary care trust. This paper considers the causes and implications for neurological health, service delivery and neurology training.
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Global warming is the most important science issue of the 21st century, challenging the very structure of our global society. The study of past climate has shown that the current global climate system is extremely sensitive to human-induced climate change. The burning of fossil fuels since the beginning of the industrial revolution has already caused changes with clear evidence for a 0.75 degrees C rise in global temperatures and 22 cm rise in sea level during the 20th century. ⋯ In addition, weather patterns will become less predictable and the occurrence of extreme climate events, such as storms, floods, heat waves and droughts, will increase. The potential effects of global warming on human society are devastating. We do, however, already have many of the technological solutions to cure our sick planet.