NHS hit by new tech failure as it scraps patient booking system
The NHS is quietly ditching an electronic booking system for outpatient appointments, Choose and Book, which has cost £356m since 2004, in a further sign of the difficulties of introducing efficient IT systems into the health service. The decision to replace it with a potentially even more expensive e-referral scheme by 2016 follows a drop in its use by doctors and patients. During a recent investigation into NHS waiting times by the House of Commons' public accounts committee, MPs were told by NHS staff that while some GPs liked Choose and Book, many did not, and that not all outpatient appointment slots were available on it, limiting its usefulness. Meg Hillier, a Labour member of the committee, said: ‘It's another NHS cock up. A system designed for use by GPs but only used by half of them, has been quietly dropped, so quietly that even most of the NHS seems unaware.’
Jesus visited Iranian Muslim three times in dreams
There have been many testimonies in recent years, of the Lord Jesus revealing Himself to members of Islam through dreams. Dreams are one of the main ways that Muslims believe God will speak to them. Before he became a believer, the Apostle Paul dragged Christians out of their houses to imprison or kill them. A modern day Iranian named Taher was no better. He even threatened to kill his own family because they became Christians. Like Paul, he received a vision of the Lord that turned his life upside down. Taher was the last one anyone expected to convert to Christianity. He was well respected pilgrim who had made the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca with his wife, so when his daughter came to Christ, Taher was very angry. When his wife became a believer in Christ, he grew even angrier. When even his son turned his back on Islam and accepted Christ, his anger turned to rage. To read the full account of his amazing story click the link by the more button below.
Israel: Death threats to Christians in Jerusalem
Pope Francis will be making a pilgrimage to Israel from May 24th to 26th commemorating 50 years since a meeting between Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras. He will meet with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of the Orthodox bishops, Jordan's King and Queen, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Israeli President Shimon Peres and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However death threats to Arabs and Christians written in front of a Roman Catholic Church office in Jerusalem ahead of the visit have some officials alarmed. A Christian persecution watchdog group said it is unlikely a direct attack on the pope will be attempted. The Office of the Assembly of Bishops, Notre Dame of Jerusalem said that it found Hebrew writing on a column outside its building reading ‘Death to Arabs, Christians and all those who hate Israel.’ Heads of churches are preparing to respond.
Australia: Disability carers resilient but support is vital
A 60 page Wesley Mission report compiled from the results of a survey and interviews with Australian disability carers found the role of a carer is taxing and takes its toll on even the most robust, loving people. Key findings were • life is extremely complex and stressful • almost all carers interviewed had personal health issues, relationship concerns and/or mental health complications • lifestyles of carers is completely focused on and dedicated to the wellbeing of those they care for, resulting in them putting themselves in ‘second place’ • there’s not enough time to combine caring responsibilities with non-caring responsibilities • carers expressed high levels of concerns in relation to securing a meaningful and safe future for those they care for • despite all the stress, carers are very resilient - while stress, strain and sacrifice are all part of caring for someone with disability •carers showed a determination to provide the best care they could.
