Here in Auchendreich we like to think that reorganisation brings out the best in us. The recent integration and resulting joint accountability of acute and primary care (the pride of Scotland and, we are told, the envy of NHS Englandshire) have together offered us the greatest opportunity for radical health service reform in the Greater Auchendreich Health Board Area since at least 2003.
In the true spirit of Auchendreich we have given this latest reorganisation our best efforts; and our positive experience in transcending the clumsy, dysfunctional heritage of the status quo—so truly no longer an option—ought now to inspire all healthcare systems facing similar challenges.
The key to it all was the insight that the traditional grouping of ear, nose, and throat was no longer defensible in the 21st century. So at an enjoyable and productive NHS Auchendreich awayday in the five star Castle Dreich Hilton Resort Complex it was determined that ear and nose would join maxillofacial surgery, neurosurgery, and psychiatry in a new pan-Auchendreich Directorate of Cranial and Mental Health; with throat to sit alongside thoracic medicine, cardiothoracic surgery, and our acclaimed GORD service in another pioneering pan-Auchendreich directorate, Chest Health Auchendreich.
The rest, of course, was easy. Most surgeons will be left alone; but a new, powerful and wide-ranging Holistic Health Directorate will unite various mainly non-surgical entities such as general practice, community services, geriatric medicine, rheumatology, and hence—inevitably—orthopaedics. It is hoped that fierce competition for what is surely the key post in our whole reconfigured health system will result in it going to a truly remarkable NHS leader.
But interest so far seems to have been limited. Applications are coming in only slowly, and rumour has it that they are generally somewhat disappointing. Our area aromatherapist may have misunderstood the nature of the post, as may a number of outside applicants. So if you are an experienced clinical manager perhaps already contemplating a move to the Auchendreich area and feel your skills might match the challenges of this post, our HR director here at NHS Auchendreich would very much like to hear from you.