Does It Hurt When I Press Here?: An A&E doctor's diagnosis of the NHS

by Willy M. Black

When we go to a hospital, we have the illusion that everything is perfectly organised, like infallible computer software running in the background, checking that everything is running with military precision. The aim of this book is to break deep into that delusion and to give you a better understanding of how things really work. Mainly in the Emergency Department, but with a glimpse into the whole of the National Health Service machinery.What if I told you that the trolley you were examined on had not been wiped after the previous patient had laid on it without underwear, perhaps to be catheterised or to have a rectal examination performed? Did you know that the pulsioxymeter, that little finger clip with a red light that measures your heart rate and oxygenation, was used right before you on a patient that was covered in faeces and no one had the time to disinfect it before putting it on your finger? In this book you will find some disturbing facts about the National Health Service and its Emergency Departments. Some of these facts will hopefully leave you sympathising with the health care workers, while others will break the illusion of a well-oiled machine and make you see the truth behind the mirage. Clapping for the NHS is all very good, but the truth is that it does not solve any of its problems. I am hoping that by reading this book you will find out what we can all collectively do to make things, and consequently the whole system, better.

Genres: Nonfiction

106 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2021

Reviews

[Hani Alhariri · Rating 5 out of 5]

i can say it is a reminder to many people if not all that have misconception about how and when they should get medicated. And because a service called ED is available to everyone, they think they should use it since it is free.
As much as this book could somehow raise the awareness to the paramount importance of the very exact limited role of ED doctors and nurses, it also intakes frustration and despair of those who work in such field. It clearly demonstrates shocking facts of people misusing health public service means like ambulance

As It could be revolutionary in the sense that it tackles the redefinition of the department when it should only deal with emergency cases, it calls upon the Public Health Ministry to respect the speciality assigned for each working doctor and staff.
From the literary perspective, the narrative is fostered with facts and irony, instances of real life incidents. Sarcasm and satire are mainly used to modify certain type of behavior or attitude, to change a point of view, or to deter common misconception to to its factual path.
Eloquent sequence of narration keeps the reader intrigued to proceed even further.
A criticism of inadequacy and failure of the social system and of course a journey through history of medics in the Uk in particular and in general.
Origin section could be fostered by making comparisons to other countries which lack such free access to health care for example the United States of America. But in general, it is packed with facts that everybody should understand when the writer clearly exposed the message of the abuse of the system
-what a jerk chapter : piqued my interest
-dr google chapter long but to the point.
-every rose has a thorn triggered emotion!
- writing on the wall- people are abusive!
-banging headache: oral sex fantasía in ED room with lights off could fix the severe headache! lol

- behind the scenes and writing on the wall chapters are bombs on the face of the system, top physicians, HCA, NHA system.
As far as i can tell, this book is a case study and it only can be taken like so. It is like a prescription bill written by a well trained doctor who experienced a lot of frustration, perplexity, disappointment and bore witness of the failure of the system.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Read

I enjoyed this immensely. As a health professional (nurse, ICU, many years) I am all too aware of the unreasonableness of people in the ED and the inappropriate ambulance callers. I think patients in the ED reflect people at large in society, some are twatty, inconsiderate, entitled dickheads but most are reasonable decent human beings. Unfortunately the twatty ones probably will never read a book like this and will never know how their actions affect people and if they did they wouldn’t care so sadly this book will only speak to the already decent reasonable types and the issues will continue long after we do. Perhaps if all the chief execs got all their little heads together and created a protocol for expectations of visitors to the ED a bit like a contract instead of random posters that mean nothing it might make the dickheads think twice. I can only imagine the tabloid headlines so that’s why it will never happen.

[john Brodrick. jeanharrishendriks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant straight talking about emergency medicine aimed at

This is heartfelt ,lucid ,realistic and readily absorbable by your average Emergency Department attendee who is screaming for attention , having been referred by a 911 advisor working from a script . Combines wit , justifiable swearing and hard nosed information in one well shaped package . Reviewed by a doctor who has escaped .

[Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was just a diatribe about all the people who inappropriately attend the emergency department. It was repetitive and boring. The author sounds very jaded. Would not want to encounter him as my doctor. I know there are some idiots and users out there who misuse the NHS but this whole book focussed on them I wanted to read interesting medical stories not be preached at by a burnt out emergency doctor.

[diane mcgovern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes it does hurt when you press here!

Excellent read! I was an ED Sister in a few London departments for many years and completely agree with the authors account and description. None of us got out of bed thinking that I am going to work today and do a bad job.
It is because we care that we feel so exasperated with the system that allows this treatment of staff to continue. Everyone wants something from you and you keep giving often to the detriment of yourself, whilst trying to look out for each other.

[Laura Symons · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book!

I downloaded it on a whim, and pleasantly surprised . Couldn't put it down.
Definitely recommend this book to anyone. Do wish it was longer though

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really quick to read. Easily understandable. Slightly makes you lose hope in the British public but oh well