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Presenting Complaints
Stanley Fields Hospital is in trouble. The administration is a disaster, the budget is in free-fall, and the Chief Executive is more interested in making paper aeroplanes than in making things work.
Doctor Tom Rysarian is shallow, selfish, and monumentally lazy. His main objective is to survive each shift without having someone shout at him, vomit on him, or make him do any more work than is absolutely necessary. But when AllHealth - an amoral, multinational private health company - swoop down to pick at the bones of the dying hospital, Rysarian finds himself drawn into attempts to resist the takeover…
Presenting Complaints is a satirical novel about the privati$ation of the NHS…and about what life’s really like as a junior doctor.
Half of all profits from the sale of this book are being donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
Doctor Tom Rysarian is shallow, selfish, and monumentally lazy. His main objective is to survive each shift without having someone shout at him, vomit on him, or make him do any more work than is absolutely necessary. But when AllHealth - an amoral, multinational private health company - swoop down to pick at the bones of the dying hospital, Rysarian finds himself drawn into attempts to resist the takeover…
Presenting Complaints is a satirical novel about the privati$ation of the NHS…and about what life’s really like as a junior doctor.
Half of all profits from the sale of this book are being donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
238 pages, ebook
Published December 1, 2015
1 person is currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Brindle
64 books29 followersJamie Brindle has been writing stories for almost as long as he can remember. Occasionally they are even published.
Sometimes, he wonders if this has had any lasting deleterious effect on him, such as perhaps being responsible for the habit he has of writing about himself in the third person. At other time this seems not to matter.
He was raised by ex-hippies in an apple orchard, and had to chase around a hedge maze for pocket money. When he grew older, he was deemed to have passed the "maze" level, and so graduated to selling boomerangs at Covent Garden Market.
He was home educated until the age of fourteen, then went to Bedford College, where he essentially didn't speak for two years. Near the end of this time he was questioned by a careers advisor, and revealed his desire to be a writer. Once she had stopped laughing, she suggested that a career which was more "financially viable" might be advisable. This resulted in him taking science A-levels, and then going on to study Biochemistry at the University of Sussex in 1998.
On graduating, Jamie realised the main problem with this was that he found biochemistry rather boring. Around this time he found out that a handful of universities offered graduate-entry medicine courses. Unfortunately, he did not have much relevant experience, a problem which he sought to rectify by doing various forms of work experience.
Amongst the work experience he undertook, Jamie was grateful to be offered the chance to spend some time in a school for deaf children. He went for two weeks and ended up staying for three and a half years. This was a good thing, as it gave him a chance to get over his home-educated prejudices about the school system, as he really liked the school and began, more generally, to feel that perhaps school wasn't such a bad thing, after all.
This period came to an end, however, when he was offered a place at the University of Warwick to study Medicine in 2006. He enjoyed medicine greatly, and met lots of nice people on the course. He now works as a GP trainee, and finds that writing is a wonderful way to ground himself after long shifts working in the bizarre fantasy world of the NHS. He is currently writing a thinly-veiled autobiographical book about his experiences as a junior doctor. He is still wondering about whether or not to put dragons in.
During this time he has written a fair few short stories which have appeared online and in various anthologies. His first novel, "The Fall of the Angel Nathalie" was published in 2013 by Necro Press, and can be found here or at amazon here.
Sometimes, he wonders if this has had any lasting deleterious effect on him, such as perhaps being responsible for the habit he has of writing about himself in the third person. At other time this seems not to matter.
He was raised by ex-hippies in an apple orchard, and had to chase around a hedge maze for pocket money. When he grew older, he was deemed to have passed the "maze" level, and so graduated to selling boomerangs at Covent Garden Market.
He was home educated until the age of fourteen, then went to Bedford College, where he essentially didn't speak for two years. Near the end of this time he was questioned by a careers advisor, and revealed his desire to be a writer. Once she had stopped laughing, she suggested that a career which was more "financially viable" might be advisable. This resulted in him taking science A-levels, and then going on to study Biochemistry at the University of Sussex in 1998.
On graduating, Jamie realised the main problem with this was that he found biochemistry rather boring. Around this time he found out that a handful of universities offered graduate-entry medicine courses. Unfortunately, he did not have much relevant experience, a problem which he sought to rectify by doing various forms of work experience.
Amongst the work experience he undertook, Jamie was grateful to be offered the chance to spend some time in a school for deaf children. He went for two weeks and ended up staying for three and a half years. This was a good thing, as it gave him a chance to get over his home-educated prejudices about the school system, as he really liked the school and began, more generally, to feel that perhaps school wasn't such a bad thing, after all.
This period came to an end, however, when he was offered a place at the University of Warwick to study Medicine in 2006. He enjoyed medicine greatly, and met lots of nice people on the course. He now works as a GP trainee, and finds that writing is a wonderful way to ground himself after long shifts working in the bizarre fantasy world of the NHS. He is currently writing a thinly-veiled autobiographical book about his experiences as a junior doctor. He is still wondering about whether or not to put dragons in.
During this time he has written a fair few short stories which have appeared online and in various anthologies. His first novel, "The Fall of the Angel Nathalie" was published in 2013 by Necro Press, and can be found here or at amazon here.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 27, 2016
I've read a few things now by this author, so far they have been about Angels, Dragons and the afterlife, Presenting Complaints is by far his best work. Brindle is a doctor and he uses all he has learnt to produce this book, a battle between Doctors trying to save a NHS hospital from the evil clutches of a big medical insurance company.
The writing is impressive, comical at times, some fantastic characters that are easy to support in their endeavours. One thing that you find scary is just how easily this situation could arise in real life, the sacrifices the doctors and nurses make are pretty much happening as it is. One genius moment in the book was the reality TV show featuring ex-pop stars and a pig.
I've really enjoyed this, trying to double guess how the story will play out turned out to be impossible in the end. With the NHS currently on the ropes you should read this book to be inspired into fighting back.
The writing is impressive, comical at times, some fantastic characters that are easy to support in their endeavours. One thing that you find scary is just how easily this situation could arise in real life, the sacrifices the doctors and nurses make are pretty much happening as it is. One genius moment in the book was the reality TV show featuring ex-pop stars and a pig.
I've really enjoyed this, trying to double guess how the story will play out turned out to be impossible in the end. With the NHS currently on the ropes you should read this book to be inspired into fighting back.
May 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this book – great characters and an exciting story line. But also, it pandered to one of my core beliefs: the evils of potential privatisation of the National Health System (NHS). And I am not alone in my love for the NHS
Stanley Fields hospital, part of the Maddington NHS Trust, is coming under new management courtesy of AllHealth.
First the AllHealth logo appeared on the patient’s name tags and dressing gowns, then on the nurses uniforms, then on the doctor’s clothes – but most importantly on the uniforms of the security guards that had suddenly appeared, and were getting rid of anyone not branded.
As with most NHS trusts, Maddington suffers from underfunding. New budget cuts mean that the junior doctors have been fired, ward size has been reduced, and the hospital is barely functioning. AllHealth needs to cut costs rapidly, and turn Stanley Fields into a profit-making venture:
Something no true Brit could EVER condone. You will be relieved to hear, that this book is not a tragedy, and all comes right in the end (except for Sternhammer) – but the HOW is a real blast, and the suspense keeps you transfixed right to the end.
Our (anti-) hero, Dr Rysarian, is initially much more concerned about saving his own cushy job, than worrying about the hospital and its patients, but thankfully Medical Student extraordinaire, Nala Mistry, is on hand to organise the consultants to go on strike (not really – there is some excellent skulduggery involved), and to arrange shifts of med students (who do not come under the auspices of All Health) to take over the care of the patients, under the watchful eye of the indefatigable, grey-bearded, doctor emeritus, Dr Greymantle, and the hard-working physician’s assistant, Sam Tumble. Luckily, the nurses are still on the payroll.
I
There are other great character bit parts – Jan Haarbaker, Donald Abraham, Doctors Aziz and Treehorn, Maxine Fisher – and the wonderfully inept (but always willing) Pat Connor. And the ending is so satisfying – it brought a tear to my eye, and made me proud to be British.
Highly recommended – not just for Brits, but for anyone who loves a humorous drama with high stakes.
Stanley Fields hospital, part of the Maddington NHS Trust, is coming under new management courtesy of AllHealth.
“AllHealth were the largest multinational private health insurance company in the world. They had huge annual revenue, vast resources, and a reputation for being honest, trustworthy, and responsible, unless the people they were dealing with happened to not have any money, in which case they had a reputation for being miserly, hateful and unscrupulous.”
First the AllHealth logo appeared on the patient’s name tags and dressing gowns, then on the nurses uniforms, then on the doctor’s clothes – but most importantly on the uniforms of the security guards that had suddenly appeared, and were getting rid of anyone not branded.
As with most NHS trusts, Maddington suffers from underfunding. New budget cuts mean that the junior doctors have been fired, ward size has been reduced, and the hospital is barely functioning. AllHealth needs to cut costs rapidly, and turn Stanley Fields into a profit-making venture:
“Don’t be stupid,” Sternhammer chided him. “Complete privatisation, of course! Do you know how much money your government pumps into this NHS thing you guys are so proud of? It’s disgusting, really! That’s money that’s being wasted. It’s just being spent on the idiots, the losers, the people who can’t get it together. People that are sailing through life, trying to get a free ride. AllHealth are doing your country a favour.”
Something no true Brit could EVER condone. You will be relieved to hear, that this book is not a tragedy, and all comes right in the end (except for Sternhammer) – but the HOW is a real blast, and the suspense keeps you transfixed right to the end.
Our (anti-) hero, Dr Rysarian, is initially much more concerned about saving his own cushy job, than worrying about the hospital and its patients, but thankfully Medical Student extraordinaire, Nala Mistry, is on hand to organise the consultants to go on strike (not really – there is some excellent skulduggery involved), and to arrange shifts of med students (who do not come under the auspices of All Health) to take over the care of the patients, under the watchful eye of the indefatigable, grey-bearded, doctor emeritus, Dr Greymantle, and the hard-working physician’s assistant, Sam Tumble. Luckily, the nurses are still on the payroll.
I
“Sam had worked in the hospital long enough to realise that only the really, really stupid doctors didn’t listen to the nurses. Having a nurse for each patient, who knew exactly what was happening with them - and had a good idea about how the care should proceed, too - was an undreamt-of blessing”
There are other great character bit parts – Jan Haarbaker, Donald Abraham, Doctors Aziz and Treehorn, Maxine Fisher – and the wonderfully inept (but always willing) Pat Connor. And the ending is so satisfying – it brought a tear to my eye, and made me proud to be British.
Highly recommended – not just for Brits, but for anyone who loves a humorous drama with high stakes.
April 17, 2023
*I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
This is a biting satire of the medical profession and health service and it is funny as hell!
The story revolves around Dr Rysarian – a typical anti-hero who comes good – and his adventures with public and private healthcare (and avoiding work), but the heart of the story is firmly rooted in displeasure at the concept of private healthcare companies pushing out the dedicated, passionate and (mostly) skilled staff of the NHS, and the indictment is scathing.
It did ‘lose a star’ from me for the very silly ending, which dips suddenly into the surreal and nonsensical, but the rest of the book was awesome so I can still happily recommend it.
And at least the ending is happy, if unrealistic. I sincerely hope life imitates fiction in that respect!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
This is a biting satire of the medical profession and health service and it is funny as hell!
The story revolves around Dr Rysarian – a typical anti-hero who comes good – and his adventures with public and private healthcare (and avoiding work), but the heart of the story is firmly rooted in displeasure at the concept of private healthcare companies pushing out the dedicated, passionate and (mostly) skilled staff of the NHS, and the indictment is scathing.
It did ‘lose a star’ from me for the very silly ending, which dips suddenly into the surreal and nonsensical, but the rest of the book was awesome so I can still happily recommend it.
And at least the ending is happy, if unrealistic. I sincerely hope life imitates fiction in that respect!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
August 6, 2017
Presenting Complaints is an outstanding book. Cleverly written, with many moments of comic relief, the plot twists and turns in so many different ways you are left forever guessing the outcome. I loved the various viewpoints and subplots of all the multiple characters. It really gave the story that intriguing factor that sucks you in. I was constantly picking this book back up to find out what will happen next. It was almost like I was one step behind everyone else.
Presenting Complaints is about a hospital that is slowly crumbling from greatness. While many doctors truly care and keep up their work, some of these characters are just going about their business and trying to get by on little effort. When the hospital is taken over by AllHealth, a private health company that cares more about patients who can afford insurance and dismissing those who can’t, the remaining doctors embark on a battle for the rights of the people and taking back their hospital.
Doctor Tom Rysarian, one of our main characters, is someone who you will love and hate. He isn’t very endearing the first half of the books, but eventually you come to like him and start to hope he can right all the wrongs of his life. I will admit that ending had me on the edge of my seat! All of these wonderful characters are so unique and well written. They each caught at my emotions and elicited all sorts of responses from love, hate, and sympathy.
Overall, this is a great story; possibly one of the best books by this author. If you haven’t read anything else by this author, most of his other works are quite different from this this book. All great reads!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All my opinions and thoughts are in no way influenced by this.
Final Rating: 5 Stars
Presenting Complaints is about a hospital that is slowly crumbling from greatness. While many doctors truly care and keep up their work, some of these characters are just going about their business and trying to get by on little effort. When the hospital is taken over by AllHealth, a private health company that cares more about patients who can afford insurance and dismissing those who can’t, the remaining doctors embark on a battle for the rights of the people and taking back their hospital.
Doctor Tom Rysarian, one of our main characters, is someone who you will love and hate. He isn’t very endearing the first half of the books, but eventually you come to like him and start to hope he can right all the wrongs of his life. I will admit that ending had me on the edge of my seat! All of these wonderful characters are so unique and well written. They each caught at my emotions and elicited all sorts of responses from love, hate, and sympathy.
Overall, this is a great story; possibly one of the best books by this author. If you haven’t read anything else by this author, most of his other works are quite different from this this book. All great reads!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All my opinions and thoughts are in no way influenced by this.
Final Rating: 5 Stars
July 23, 2017
Kindle Unlimited? {on pre-order/not out yet so not positive, but writer's books usually are} and I have it because it's one of my {now} rare ARCs/the here's a free copy no strings attached but really hope you review it books. As an American, even one pretty familar with most Brit things, found it a bit hard to get in to this, as in overall a good story but then kept thinking of MASH and Scrubs {both American but just saying} so those here and there cofusing spots for me and all.
Stanley Fields Hospital is in trouble. The administration is a disaster, the budget is in free-fall, and the Chief Executive is more interested in making paper aeroplanes than in making things work. Doctor Tom Rysarian is shallow, selfish, and monumentally lazy. His main objective is to survive each shift without having someone shout at him, vomit on him, or make him do any more work than is absolutely necessary. But when AllHealth - an amoral, multinational private health company - swoop down to pick at the bones of the dying hospital, Rysarian finds himself drawn into attempts to resist the takeover... Presenting Complaints is a satirical novel about the privati$ation of the NHS...and about what life's really like as a junior doctor. Half of all profits from the sale of this book are being donated to Cystic Fibrosis UK
StoryStream series and other books
Stanley Fields Hospital is in trouble. The administration is a disaster, the budget is in free-fall, and the Chief Executive is more interested in making paper aeroplanes than in making things work. Doctor Tom Rysarian is shallow, selfish, and monumentally lazy. His main objective is to survive each shift without having someone shout at him, vomit on him, or make him do any more work than is absolutely necessary. But when AllHealth - an amoral, multinational private health company - swoop down to pick at the bones of the dying hospital, Rysarian finds himself drawn into attempts to resist the takeover... Presenting Complaints is a satirical novel about the privati$ation of the NHS...and about what life's really like as a junior doctor. Half of all profits from the sale of this book are being donated to Cystic Fibrosis UK
StoryStream series and other books
October 17, 2017
What a surprising subtle hysterical story as only a British writer can write. A hospital story where the hospital staff are either very good and selfless, egomaniacs as expected, or trying to look busy but do the least amount of work without killing anybody. And don't get me started on the support staff. For a British story, a few phrases made me scratch my head but considering I read a lot of British authors I could figure out what was going on. Or try to as it seems some of the characters are not quite sure either. But when you throw in crazy staff with a hospital on it's last leg and going to be taken over, you get a very dry very funny story. The main character is Dr. Tom Rysarian who is lazy egomaniac who is all about himself, then there are the other characters who wonder through the story. Add a few plot twists and turns and a very surprising ending, I thought it was a blast to read. I laughed and groaned through most of it and screamed at the end. Loved the ending as I was not expecting that.
October 21, 2016
enjoyable read
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews