LIFE IS BRIEF

By Dr Bill Reith, Immediate Part Chairman
Contact the author by e-mail at christopher.johnstone@ntlworld.com

Life is short
The art long
Opportunity fleeting
Experiment treacherous
Judgement difficult
Hippocrates

I have appreciated the enormous privilege of being chairman of RCGP Scotland for the past three years. Three years is about the right length of time to hold such a post - long enough to have some idea of what the job is about and influence things, but not so long that people begin to wonder how they can get rid of you…

There have been countless significant issues to challenge us - not least the new GMS contract. However, for me, the most significant single event over those three years has been the publication of the Wanless Report¹. It highlights most of the problems that beset the NHS and has resulted in a solution - money.

In its wake we have seen a number of significant discussions, reports and consultations about how the NHS could be better organised. The biggest challenge will be to ensure that we use these changes to provide even more effective care in the future.

Mairi will face many challenges during her term of office and will need all our loyalty and support. I know that she will do a great job.

1. ‘Securing Our Future Health: Taking a Long-Term View’, Derek Wanless, HM Treasury, April 2002

David Haslam and Bill Reith RCGP Chairman, David Haslam, congratulating Bill Reith on his three years as Chairman of Scottish Council at the Triennial Dinner, held in September 2003. Scottish Council traditionally holds a triennial dinner at the end of the Chairman’s term of office. This year’s event was a huge success and was very well attended by members of the College, from across the UK, and invited guests including the;

Chief Medical Officer, Mac Armstrong;

NHS Chief Executive, Trevor Jones;

BMA Chairman, John Garner and

President of the Royal College of Surgeons, Sir John Temple.

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hoolet is the magazine of RCGP Scotland. It is supported intellectually, financially and emotionally by RCGP Scotland.

This issue maintained by Robert Hallam.