Description

These are very interesting and demanding times for all of us working in health care. I cannot remember when there has been so much external intervention to the way we work both organisationally and as individuals. Moreover, all this has happened under an intense media spotlight. Consequently, many of you will have been actively engaged with the implementation of the Cancer Plan, the formation of Networks, the importance of the TSSGs and latterly the evolution of the Strategic Health Authorities. For those in Palliative Medicine we await the inception of the Palliative and Supportive Care Network due for promulgation by NICE this autumn. Couple these with the beaurocracy within our work-place, the institution of appraisal and the insinuation of revalidation it is surprising we have any time for personal and professional development let alone time for what must surely be considered our primary task – looking after patients. It is in the light of the above that I would like to thank all authors and contributors for the time they have spent putting together manuscripts for publication in this journal. I would also like to encourage everyone to consider submitting articles and particularly interesting clinical cases especially if there is a clear learning message. Finally, a particular plea to those in Palliative Medicine, we know you are busy but your input is vital for the continued success of this journal. It has been said that everyone has at least one novel within them – why not also a review article and a case report?

I Trotman
Editor