A smattering of opinions on recent events in the NHS from National Health Executive’s most cutting and merciless reporter who goes simply by the name of the Medicine Man.

Bringing together a daily dose of sarcasm and realism with an occasional spoonful of sugar, these pick me ups for the healthcare manager may prove bitter pills to swallow but keep the patient’s best interests at heart.

Weekends off

More and more evidence suggests that hospitals should increase their shifts to provide adequate cover for the weekend. Senior staff and diagnostic tests are usually unavailable after Friday, meaning care for patients is significantly lower.

Obviously more round-the-clock care would be beneficial for patients. Illness doesn’t pay attention to the working week and in terms of the number of doctors, more is generally better.

But there is more to consider than just the patient needs. Money is the big issue, as is staff co-operation, effect on the machinery used, provision of childcare for staff and so on.

There are many things that Department of Health could do to improve patient care, but some of these remain too impractical to implement. Is this one of those issues, or should the Government be doing more to allow the NHS to offer quality care throughout the weekend?