How do you plan for the future?

I have spent most of today and yesterday trying to pull together a Business Plan for a social enterprise, which my team and I are trying to develop. I have to admit, it is more difficult than I imagined! There are so many factors to consider. For example, I need to produce my plan based on a market analysis...but isn't that only as good as the day you do it?!? I guess there will be iterations along the way in terms of analysis and strategy but I have to say...this is no mean feat! I am pleased to welcome a few new members to my team though and I will be able to introduce these to you over the next few weeks...very exciting!

NHS Constitution

Just to let you all know about the latest consultation on the NHS Constitution. There have been a few sugested additions in terms of patient rights;

• treatment within a maximum of 18 weeks from a GP referral and to be seen by a cancer specialist within 2 weeks from a GP referral, or where this is not possible, for the NHS to take reasonable steps to offer a range of alternative providers; and
• NHS Health Checks for those aged 40 to 74 to assess their risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease

Its really important the the constitution represents the views of everyone who uses the health system so please log on and add your comments!

http://www.leicspt.nhs.uk/Aboutus-TheNHSConstitution.cms

Food for thought...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/health/newsid_10000000/newsid_10004400/10004491.stm

First of all, I am really pleased to read that since Eastenders developed the storyline of a young person with Bipolar Disorder, the number of young people seeking help has doubled. So yes, the storyline has helped to raise awareness, but has it helped with regards to reducing stigma? The proof will be in the pudding I think.

On another note, I thought I would tell you about my rant which my other half had to suffer last night. Basically, I have to say I am utterly dissapointed that during the weeks of snow and all of the media hype about grit, the economy and traffic on the roads, I did not see one mention of the impact this particularly awful weather was having on the homeless and what wonderful work, charities and other organisations were doing to try and keep people safe and warm. This was a real opportunity to highlight the strain which these services are under and we missed it. I just feel that for the last few weeks we have very much come across as having no thought for these people.

Anyway, as I say, food for thought today.

Slight delay...

Well, I hope all readers had a great Christmas and New Year! This year promises to be full of new ventures in the world of social enterprise and health and I can't wait to update you all with the progress over the coming months.

My role is ever evolving and I am now the Trust lead for social enterprise business development, partnerships and community involvement...quite a mouth full!

The elections for our Council of Governors has been delayed slightly along with all other NHS organisations due to the current political climate in terms of an ever declining financial economy for health and social care and political issues. However, what we do want to move on is the idea of a prospective governor forum for those members who are interested in becoming a governor and who want to start to get to know us better...I will keep you posted!

In the mean time, we have all sorts of ideas for social enterprises aimed at increasing inclusion and equality and I have a fantastic team of people working with me to start to take some of these ideas forwards...in fact I am bursting with excitement!!!

It’s all steam ahead people...