Fortune telling

The Royal College of Surgeons has been tuning in to it’s crystal ball again, or perhaps they are using astrology. They, and other colleges are making dire predictions about reductions in patient care if the NHS changes go ahead. 

But if you look at the article reporting this, it is plain that the colleges are talking out of their arses. The article uses such phrases as “could”, “likely to” “may”, no fewer than 13 times. Not a single hard fact or reasoned logical argument is put forward, just unsupported opinions of a totally speculative nature. One gets the feeling they want the whole project to fail so they can claim “told you so”

Now I am as dubious as anyone about the coming NHS reform. In particular I am appalled at the seeming blind determination of government to allow the involvement of the private sector, in the face of emerging evidence that this will allow vast amounts of taxpayers money to be creamed off.

But shroud waving speculation masquerading as “expert opinion” is going to be seen by the government for what it is, and ignored. Are the colleges so lost for genuine argument that they are resorting to this drivel?

And perhaps by taking this totally negative approach they are playing right into the government’s hands. It seems inevitable now that the changes will go ahead. If the medical profession approach it in a totally negative manner and the project fails we might, with some justification, be given the blame for sabotaging the project. Despite our misgivings, when the reform comes we have to do whatever we can to make it work. At least then we can secure the moral high ground and ensure the blame goes where it belongs. 

And who knows, maybe it can be made to work, or don’t people want that?