PPlog

I'm a bit reluctant to do this. Somehow, using my own experiences as evidence brings with it a tinge of embarrassment and a feeling that it maybe is not sufficiently objective. However, as evidence of NHS Norfolk's poor commitment to personalisation and lousy professional standards by the commissioned body (Norfolk Community Health and Care) it's too stark to go unsaid. Copies of this entry will go to NHS Norfolk, Norfolk Community Health and Care, Our Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People Joint Strategy Programme, and the Care Quality Commission. The sequel to my PPlog post of 11th October , "Circuitous Circus " is I eventually got to see the alternative consultant on 24th November. That consultant was Dr Willie Nottcutt, a leader in the field of pain management and someone for whom I had full respect, having known his work for many years. At the end of an hour and a half's frank discussion, he told me the kind of disorder I had was the product of natural

Jill Anderson pointed me in the direction of this invaluable piece of work via the Mental Health in Higher Education internet group. In my opinion it deserves to be set alongside Peter Townsend's work as a hugely valuable reference. Published by the Young Foundation, their text says: "This is a study of who is sinking and who is swimming in Britain today. Based on new analysis of statistical data, case studies, surveys and hundreds of conversations with people across the country, the study shows where the most acute needs are and how they interrelate. It looks at why some people can cope with shocks and setbacks and others can't. And it draws on the implications for policy, philanthropy and public action." I've certainly ordered a hard copy which will be invaluable for reference beside the computer. Tremendous!