Horsham Post Office still limps from bad to worse and the impression that nobody actually cares gets stronger and stronger. Yesterday, twenty three people were hanging about hoping to be served by one of four counter staff. If that was not bad enough the large post box at the entrance to the office was full to the brim. I did not mention this to any of the staff, as previous, when I had, I was told that the staff were aware of it One hour later the post box was even fuller. I presume that the Post Office do have a duty of care as regards the safety of mail but perhaps that's been overlooked. Frankly, why buy a first class stamp for a second class service.
Yet another smile passed across my face when I read in the County Times of the latest Financial Recovery Plan (FRP) being promoted by Surrey and Sussex Hospital. And how many plans is that? Must be at least five FRPs that have failed - all have come with the usually high and unrealised expectations from Board and management.
So whats new this time? Well, this FRP is bound of course to be better (not my words) - meet the care challenges, improve services, better financial footing - repaid in three years yeah yeah yeah. But the reality is this. The DoH has given the trust a loan of £54m. However to ensure that this loan is paid back in three years the NHS has given the trust £34m. So, if I have understood this correctly, one part of the NHS borrows money from another part of the organisation to repay the part of the organisation that funds both of them. NHS - "Fit for Purpose" doubt it - join the Home Office. More smoke and mirrors
The start of any political decline comes with what I term the "Pinocchio Moment" Gordon Brown has reached that moment. A moment when more and more lies leads to a longer and longer nose. "I will listen, I will learn I will focus I understand your difficulties" bit late for that Gordon.
