Face Transplant

Richard Lee Norris, a 37 year old man, has recently received what is believed by many to be the most extensive face transplant in history. Richard had being living as a recluse for 15 years after his horrific injury left him without lips, a nose and only limited function and movement of his mouth.

The surgery which was funded by the US navy, which hopes the techniques, can be applied to similar injuries sustained from blasts and explosions in Afghanistan and Iraq, used computer software to aid surgeons in their reconstruction.

During the 36 hour long surgery Richards' nose, jaw, tongue and teeth were replaced. In addition underlying muscles, connective tissues and nerves were also transplanted. The patient has already acquired a sense of smell, can shave and brush his teeth.

As this was the first of its kind a great deal has being learned. So going from the success which was achieved here and the improvements too be made with each new reconstruction the future is looking promising for those affected by hugely disfiguring abnormalities.

Before

After

NHS reform

The reforms have being a hotly debated topic. As many feel the changes of a shift from public to private provision lies at the heart of the Health and Social Care Bill, coupled with the eradication of primary care trusts and the installation of power and money too GPs.

This move has being welcomed by some, not just GPs, as it can be argued they are better placed to handle money than the managers, have a more direct interest in patient care rather than saving money and some already commission care for patients. However anecdotes have hinted not all GPs want to be reasonable for large budgets (£70 billion in total) meaning they may lack the efficiency required. But, in my opinion, the most shocking revelation is that GPs will be directing patients too services which they may run resulting in a major conflict of interests and the possibility of exploitation; against all the core values of the NHS.

The reforms also undermine those in society who are most at need of the NHS - those on the poverty line, as they usher a degree of marketization and commercialisation that will fragment patient care; aggravate risks to individual patient safety. Steadily eroding the ethics of the NHS, trust which took years to build up.

Although can we really afford a health system as extensive and all inclusive as ours in such a time of austeriy?