Your future in your hands?

I was a trainer for twenty years, and really enjoyed the training, but was aware that our VTs, VDPs, then FDs were fully aware of the real stresses in running a practice committed to the NHS. Our patients trust us, but the NHS doesn't. To provide the best treatment you should not work stressed. Click on image for engaging talk from 12 years ago. The post below is from a discussion on GDPUK forum, and may help our way forward. 

Re: Time to stand up and be counted
 30 Dec 2021, 11:39 
There were a number of reasons for my post:
1. To try to get senior dentists to look in the mirror and admit that, by and large, THEY have caused/allowed the system to continue because THEY prop it up. I first converted one of my practices in 1991. Back then the system abused dentists but, as Keith alluded to, dentists abused it back. The Area Teams knew this but also knew it was the only way to keep the system going. Nowadays the Area Teams/NHSE are out to get anyone who "tries to play the system". Senior dentists sit in a comfort zone and, by and large, are blissfully unaware of how younger dentists are suffering.
2. I have done it before and I am doing it again. I paid over £1,000,000 for an NHS practice + property 3 years ago. The loan is personally guaranteed. But I am giving the contract back. Not selling it. I am doing the right thing for my patients and staff and sending a strong message to others.
3. In the last 30 years, I do not know one single practice that has ever transitioned from NHS to private that has regretted it. As has happened, in some posts, I want more people who have done it to come out encourage others to do it. Perhaps the BDA should start to create a database of all those that have done it as an example for others.
4. I want to introduce the concept of an abusive relationship which needs to be called out. I want dentists to sit back and actually analyse what kind of relationship they are in with NHSE/the Treasury.
5. I wanted to call out everybody who works in an admin role supporting NHS Dentistry to ask themselves whether they are supporting an abusive relationship. This includes the OCDO, LDCs, Deaneries, DF Trainers......

I remain furious with the profession that rather than disengaging from NHS Dentistry, by continuing to engage, they are supporting the abuse of younger colleagues and patients. Patients think, "It's the NHS, it must be good". It is not and under the current system, it never will be.

Tinkering and trying to "make it work" will never work. NHS General Dental Practice needs to be chucked on a bonfire so that a new fit-for-purpose system is designed from the bottom up but will probably only be an emergency and/or children-only service.

Happy New Year.
Dr Simon Gallier BDS

Future Health Partnership

http://www.futurehealthpartnership.co.uk

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