Editor's comment: enough ‘making do’

This week it is the NHS’s 69th birthday, on 5 July. It’s an opportunity to remind politicians that the staff who work for it deserve a decent salary. And, while some celebrating is in order, there are many reasons to be concerned about our much loved but ailing institution.

For many members the impact on funding is affecting their day-to-day lives and not just their pay packets. ‘Make do and mend’ rather than ‘innovate’ is the mantra for many. Frontline consistently shows how CSP members go that extra mile, both in the NHS and beyond.

This issue features an article on stroke care improvements at Papworth Hospital, a centre of excellence for cardiothoracic surgery. (There is a link between this type of surgery and increased risk of stroke.)

For many members the impact on funding is affecting their day-to-day lives and not just their pay packets

How do you encourage patients to do their recommended exercises on a regular basis? Some have taken up the 21-day challenge: practising what they preach and following the same exercise regimes as their patients (see www.csp.org.uk/node/1060092).

Gill Hitchcock’s article looks at some other motivational approaches in this issue.

Meanwhile, our clinical update feature looks at physiotherapy and spondyloarthritis, an umbrella term for various inflammatory joint diseases.

NHS birthday or not, we know that every day is one to celebrate the work of the CSP and its members. As the society adapts to meet the challenges ahead, do read about the proposed CSP Council changes and how you can get involved.

Lynn Eaton, managing editor Frontline and head of CSP member communications eatonl@csp.org.uk

Author

Lynn Eaton Managing editor Frontline and head of CSP member communications