Six months of crowdfunded #OpenJustice work

At the start of May I blogged about how I’d asked the kind souls who live on the internet to support me with my Open Justice work. I asked for help and you replied, with your cash and your words of support, and for that I’m still so very grateful. I wrote an update of […]

In praise of FOI Officers

This blog post is offered as a small attempt to focus and highlight a positive, at a time when it feels like the world could do with some more positivity, and evidence based fact. Last week I made 235 Freedom of Information requests. I know, I know, Jack Straw would be having a fit if he […]

Reflections on working with CQC on #CQCDeathsReview

In mid December 2016 the CQC Deaths Review was published. To coincide I published my own scoping review Family involvement in, and experience of, death investigations by the NHS and I blogged some initial thoughts about it here and some thoughts on potential learning here and here. I promised that I’d blog some thoughts about the experience […]

What the Donkey Sanctuary could teach the #NHS and #socialcare

Disclaimer: this blog post may just be a very simple cover to share pics of donkeys, but hopefully the words might make sense too, if not enjoy the donks  I am very fortunate to live about half an hour from the Donkey Sanctuary headquarters at Sidmouth and consequently when I’m looking for a day out, […]

Unofficial #NHS guide to all things inquest

Alternative title, not to be used publicly: how to protect your reputation at all costs When a patient dies  Don’t bother apologising or the family might get the wrong idea and try to sue us. Assign as much as possible to ‘natural causes’, especially if they’re using mental health services, have a physical disability or are learning […]

Scrutiny, media blaming and defending ones own

I’m training for #CaminoLB at the moment which mostly involves wandering around in walking boots and a rucksack, putting one foot in front of the other and musing the latest madness at Southern Health. There’s been a lot of musing this week (although slightly less walking) as the latest development has seen Katrina Percy, CEO […]

Keep reaching, keep working, keep fighting #JusticeforLB

A couple of weeks ago I watched a documentary on Barack Obama’s time as President of the USA. I was in the US when he was elected and wrote about the power of hope and optimism on my personal blog as he campaigned for re-election four years later (as Dad was dying). The documentary clearly […]

Secrecy, transparency, purdah and the illusion of candour #ADASSspring #JusticeforLB

Earlier this week Sara posted a blog post titled State agents and lives on hold. In it she updates on the tiresome slog to get accountability and answers around her son’s preventable death, in an ATU. LB drowned in the bath, something an independent report found to be entirely preventable, fourteen months ago. Still no accountability […]

Military metaphor and vanguards #5YFV #FutureNHS

Yesterday the healthcare world was awash with gleeful excitement as NHS England announced the 29 ‘vanguard’ sites, chosen to develop new ways of delivering integrated care. Last week I was chatting with Annie C, Helen K and others about the increasing use of military language in the #NHS: Then a few days later Clare Gerada […]