Hi Tom This post of yours, possibly more than any other I have seen for a long time, highlights the core of the problem. Well done mate - things like THIS should be front-sodding-page news (irrespective of how good the soon-to-be-dog-food-and-glue animal was - but let's face it, Desert Orchid probably generated more return on investment than your local A&Es put togher, right? Dripping sarcasm mode over....) Two thoughts: 1) "The expectation of patients is much higher than that which can be provided" <----------------- who's fault is that then, I wonder? ".....those complete *expletive deleted* morons in the Ministry of Health....." <------------ ah. Easy question, wasn't it. I also have to wonder though - surely media such as The Sun or the Daily Mail are equally responsible, not to mention so-called "medical dramas" (I know Casualty tries, but I also know it's not one of your favourites.....but I always used to really enjoy the bits where Charlie goes off on one at 'Management'.........). What role might TV programmes have in dealing with the issues, or otherwise? 2) "Of course, people will still want to go to hospital, and we are unable to refuse." <----------- so under The Patients' Charter (your bloid boils at those words, yes?) the point has been reached where patients' *NEEDS* (ha!) are considered far more important than the fact that the service meant to be providing those needs is grossly under-resourced (and piss-poorly managed from on high!) - and people wonder why nurses leave in droves??? What's happened to accountability? Ian Dowie loses something like 10 football games in a row or something, then gets fired. Tony Blair oversees the systematic failure to redress the faults of an NHS system ripped apart under years of Tory rule - he's had HOW MANY years to make a difference? And Labour is still in power? Oh don't get me wrong - I'm apolitical - they're all a bunch of bastards.........it's just the sickening lack of accountability amongst governments that gets to me........... How much longer will you stick it out, Tom? When ambulance personnel become 'responsible' for the on-site treatment of more cases, will you find yourself having to move on from that job too? That would be a real loss to people like us - but I don't think you'll find a single person here who'd blame you for walking out!