David Oliver
CommentRegulating managers will not fix the NHS's honesty problem on its own
Amidst growing concerns over the silencing of whistleblowers, the Labour Party manifesto has pledged to introduce the “regulation” of NHS managers. But can punitive measures alone ensure patient safety and staff support? By David Oliver
CommentAs a doctor I don’t believe regulation of managers should be a priority
David Oliver expresses his five big doubts on the statutory regulation that is in place for NHS managers and examines the complex realities of accountability and performance in healthcare leadership
CommentThe emptiness of the ‘managers bad, clinicians good’ narrative
Looking at recent reports into maternity unit scandals at various trusts, David Oliver points out how managers with clinical qualifications or clinicians with management roles are equally responsible in leading and controlling safety values
CommentGushing endorsement of workforce plan was premature
David Oliver writes about the publication of the NHS long-term workforce plan while criticising the perfunctory praise it received, highlighting concerns about retention, dilution of skill mix, lack of postgraduate training support, and inadequate consideration of non-clinical roles
CommentBlame or denial will not stop patients catching covid in hospitals
David Oliver shares his insights on hospital-acquired covid-19, how it is reported, why it might happen and realistic approaches to reducing rather than abolishing it.
CommentWhy ‘empty hospitals’ headlines mislead
David Oliver explains how statistics have been picked to portray the pandemic as a ‘scamdemic’ and policy responses as over-reactions in a misrepresentation of hospital admissions and bed occupancy rates
CommentGov medical advisors should resign or speak out over England’s failing covid strategy
Regulatory policies need appointment processes and employment contracts which make the freedom to speak out, a genuine independence for medics. By David Oliver
CommentCare home covid-19 fallout should not create toxic taboos
David Oliver on the need to use more advance care planning for care home residents.
CommentWhat went wrong (and right) in hospital discharge for older adults during the pandemic
David Oliver gives his views as an acute hospital doctor regarding dealing with elderly patients during the covid-19 crisis
CommentThe old, disabled and frail have not been written off during covid
The pandemic shows an urgent need for better public understanding of health and care challenges, says David Oliver.
CommentWhat Hunt failed to mention in his 25 year vision
He needs to get real about seven day services
CommentThe guidance you can swear by for the 'F' word frailty
A guide for health and social care workers to identify frailty
CommentBeware the false solutions to the NHS's challenges
There is a glut of questionable statements being made
CommentDon't let the glut of pilot projects distract from patient safety
New models of care are too fragmented
CommentMore accountability and regulation could punish the system
Accountability could have a negative impact on care workers
CommentClinicians aren't 'silent' over care quality – we're leading change
David Oliver hits back at comments from CQC chair David Prior
CommentWill named clinicians for older people work?
Mr Hunt’s policy should be welcomed with some caution