Technology - (you can tell there will be an imminent rant but later)- I'm writing this (slowly however) on my new mobile phone. It is a hugely capable device that does all the usual tricks of phoning, video calling, camera and java, but this one also has windows software, email and high speed internet. This means I can stay in touch when and how I want. Now just suppose for a second, the NHS would make use of this technology. Instant patient records, video conferencing with on-call consultants. Instant access to Best Bets and other professional diagnosis aid websites. Pathology and radiology results in your hand. Why wait weeks on a report to be transcribed when you could access the soundfile or talk to the Radiologist directly? Is it really science fiction? These devices have promised much for years (psion anyone?) but have always fallen short but now they appear to do what they say on the tin and are ready to fulfill their potential.

But, alas here we are today where trogging miles around a hospital with a cart full of files is seen as the way to do things. A recent look at a single one stop clinic showed that the files in the confines of the clinic alone are carried over 160 km per year by staff ranging from the receptionist to a consultant radiologist. Then, heavens forbid if the patient has the temerity to need to attend two different departments or hospitals.

Technology doesn't have all the answers and, of course, brings different issues. In a recent project on the complaints procedure the team decided that all critical requests relating to a project should be taken on paper by hand instead of email? Why? Well the recipient who happened to be the Head of Pharmacy gets 300 emails a day meaning a critical request could get lost in the noise. (Incidentally the same trust has a project to reduce unnecessary email traffic). New technology brings new challenges and the temptation to hit the "reply to all" button is becoming the curse of many a large organisation.

Rant over, since the last blog, we've finally complete work on MHRA alerts, complaints and started work on Cardiology and pre-hab. The work on blood test requesting has transferred across to several of our member trusts which is encouraging and A+E are inviting local trusts to see their good work.