In light of recent elections and the diverse distribution of votes across the political landscape, Sir Keir Starmer’s speech highlighted the importance of service and the need for a cohesive team to drive change. This is set against a backdrop of toxic cultures exposed by the Post Office Scandal, ongoing NHS national reviews, and the…

In light of recent revelations from the Francis Report on the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust to the Ockenden Report about Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, it’s clear that some areas of our healthcare system have consistently fallen short. These reports highlight the pivotal role of organisational culture as the foundation of high-quality care.…

I’m sharing my insights into evidence-based medicine (EBM) because, like many, I have long believed it to be the gold standard. However, we have interpreted the evidence with a preference to the mean and ignored the outliers alongside wider biases leading to unintended consequences. The Dark Side of Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) in EBMBiases in…

In the vast expanse of our daily interactions and responsibilities, it’s physically impossible for us to focus on everything simultaneously. Whether it’s a photographer capturing the beauty of a sunset or a professional navigating the complexities of workplace performance, our attention is constantly being filtered and directed, both consciously and subconsciously. This process, known as…

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, we are often confined to established practices, benchmarking against an evidence base that may not always be as robust as we assume. Last year, while working on clinical reviews and investigations, it reinforced a critical flaw in our approach: the statistical mean, often considered a benchmark, does not apply…

When considering decisions related to valid consent and the Mental Capacity Act (MCA), it’s essential to remember that we often assume that all the choices important to us are readily available. We assume that the consequences of our choices, whether wise or unwise, remain neutral, and that these decisions won’t restrict our future plans through…

In this second blog post, we delve into the intricate challenge of defining capacity within a binary system, particularly for individuals dealing with hyperarousal or trauma. We explore how these circumstances can hinder optimal cortical function and, consequently, influence capacity assessments. As a sexual offence examiner working closely with trauma, I couldn’t help but notice…

Constructing this blog has been an intricate journey. While I can describe the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) in specific contexts, its nuances become more challenging when applied in complex circumstances. Each revisit brings forth new contradictions, compelling me to acknowledge the paradox within the Act. I’ve chosen to delve into the intricacies of the MCA…

Understanding the Essence of Paradox Philosophers and thinkers have long been fascinated by paradoxes. They challenge our ingrained beliefs, forcing us to confront our knowledge’s limitations and the intricate nature of our surroundings. By breaking free from conventional thought patterns, paradoxes encourage innovative solutions and open the doors to unintended outcomes. In Taoism, reality arises…