Because I am pregnant at the moment, I am having to deal with NHS more than usual. As I blogged the other day, the NHS seems to be finding itself too strapped for cash to offer tests that were commonplace just two years ago. This money shortage got me to thinking about the way they spend their money.
Over the past couple of months I have been given three books, a dozen information leaflets and yesterday a hardbacked ringbinder containing over one hundred pages of thick card printed in high quality all by the NHS. I have spent my entire adult life working in publishing. I know printing costs inside out. This is a waste of huge amounts of cash. And it isn't really in keeping with the times. I know not everyone in Scotland owns a computer but given a good number of us do, would it make more sense for the NHS at my initial booking visit to ask me in person - would you like a note of the dedicated antenatal webpage where all this information can be found or would you like two carrier bags full of books and leaflets for you to take home, lose around your house or put in the recycling bag? And forgive me for sounding like a snob but in a significant number of cases if the answer is I don't have a computer at home, then the answer is also probably I am not going to read the over 600 pages of literature you have printed out for me, isn't it?
I for one would be much happier to have my free screening tests back in exchange for fewer leaflets dropping through my door in first class envelopes over the next five months.
1 comment:
The way you rant,,, you could be my daughter :) Brilliant
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