A Golden Weekend

  Some weekends are just golden, and it has to be said the one just passed can definitely be classed as such an example.  After a rather difficult few days with work, with research hitches seeming to come from all sides, expected and unexpected, it was wonderful to wrap Friday up on a positive – including a great email conversation with a dedicated Infection Control champion – and then delve into a weekend of indulgence.  And cake.  Amazing cake.

I managed to talk about my work and gradually developing future plans with a dear friend on Friday evening, and this helped me clarify in my own head many of the ‘need to do’ stepping stones that make up my chosen path.  Sometimes it really helps to talk to someone outside the bubble of academia, because they ask the questions you forget to ask yourself.

Saturday and Sunday were all about relaxing and recharging, and I was very fortunate to find the best of the sunshine to enjoy the beautiful grounds at Burghley, indulge in lunch at the Orangery, then join the rest of the country (so it seemed!) in watching the Olympic triumphs in the evening.  It is wonderful to see how the country can embrace hard work, dedication and team work – and how humble all the athletes are when interviewed, continually thanking other people. After a week of seeming like I have constantly needed other people’s support in my own work, it has been good to see that even these high achievers have a support network they continue to turn to.

Oh, and on Sunday I had a birthday.  Did I mention there was cake?

My main objective this week is to complete my transcriptions, and by the end of the week have Phase 2 fully mapped out for the end of August and September.  This will require me calling again on those around me who have continued to support me throughout this process, but I feel that together we can keep the project moving forwards, and the more I listen to the interviews already collected, the more I am motivated to ensure we take this work somewhere….

For your chance to be involved in Phase 2 – click here

Working with the NHS, always for everyone

Having a truly wonderful weekend of patriotic pride now that London 2012 is finally here – cannot praise all those involved in the opening ceremony highly enough – simply sublime!  I was delighted with the NHS tribute, the inclusion of real Healthcare Professionals, and the interweaving of our children’s literature heritage through the GOSH ties with JM Barrie.  Pure pride.  I struggle to think of any other country whom, when really pushed, would put their healthcare system so close to their hearts and literally make a song and dance about it.  I only hope that such affection is upheld and carried forward once all the glitz has passed and the reality of budget planning is once again the main topic of conversation…

On a research note the past week has been a busy one working with my NHS Acute Trust host, who themselves could not be more helpful.  As I enter my final year of PhD research my focus turns to the future, and I am more certain than ever that this research, on Hand Hygiene, Auditing and the development of suitable processes/technology, is an area that can and arguably should, be developed.  My major challenge will now be to find suitable funding for a Fellowship position – a difficult objective, but one I am more determined to achieve knowing the passion of those within the team I have been working at my NHS host site.  Together I feel certain we can make things happen!

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2012 – Team GB Promotes my Research (well..sort of…!)

This story has been in the news over the past few days: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/17268553,  and has led to many interesting chats, emails and texts in my direction!

Image via Wikipedia

The underlying line is that Team GB were apparently advised to ‘avoid’ shaking hands to limit their exposure to potential bugs. 

A tweat by the BOA (British Olympic Association) has clarified their position as one of “common sense”: ” Team GB, to be clear: do shake hands, do use hand foam, do wash your hands, do reduce the risk of catching a bug. It’s all common sense.”

Thus what is paramount is that it is proper Hand Hygiene, rather than contact avoidance that is the desired behaviour to be remembered by Team GB.   A message that can apply to us all, regardless of our occupation….

 

 

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