MPS Update
Being a leader
MPS Medical Director Dr Priya Singh emphasises the need for strong leadership in tough economic times
Often, the best solutions already exist, and it is a case of amplifying what is already working well
In these financially challenging times – and, indeed, in any competitive situation – the need grows for innovators and their good ideas. Of equal importance is back-up from people who are experienced in taking direction and strategy and turning it into a framework of tasks and outcomes.
Many MPS members will be involved in establishing effective teamwork within their own organisation – and on recognising, supporting and encouraging leadership.
Our day-to-day reality is that we are all leaders. The very nature of the trust placed in us gives rise to an obligation and an opportunity – and much of that opportunity is about leading a change of culture, rather than a culture of change. Those on the frontline share a responsibility for the service and need the support to shape it and innovate from within.
Often, the best solutions already exist, and it is a case of amplifying what is already working well. Sharing the components of best practice creates an environment that stimulates growth, where teams can work together effectively with the long-term in mind.
Fulfilling shared visions involves taking risks. People and relationships are central to any initiative and even those perceived as difficult detractors play their part in this – labels can cause us to lose the opportunity for our organisations to learn from truly different perspectives.
As healthcare feels the pressure on resources and individuals, our patients are seeing in very real terms the increasing financial impact of ill health. Fortunately, medicine is full of the experienced, empathetic and engaged people that we need.
Worldwide dates available for MPS workshops
MPS Educational Services is continuing to deliver workshops to a global audience.
The workshops held in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Africa were offered as a benefit of membership.
Last year, 120 workshops took place in the UK and Ireland alone and a further 300+ are planned for 2010. The workshops are available in the following areas: UK and Ireland – dates are currently available through to June. Further dates will be posted here in mid-May.
South Africa – a small faculty has been trained to run “Mastering Your Risk” workshops in South Africa and these are currently available through various agencies. If you are interested, please send an email in the first instance to: education@mps.org.uk.
Asia Pacific – New educational workshops, Hong Kong and Singapore have the “Mastering Your Risk” and “Mastering Adverse Outcomes” workshops are now open for booking and will be available until June.
Hours extension to UK/Ireland membership helpline
We are enhancing the existing service with new technology and extended opening hours, to allow for greater accessibility to those members who want membership advice during non-office hours
The UK and Ireland membership helpline will extend its business hours from June.
From 1 June, the helpline team will be taking membership enquiries from 8am until 6.30pm, Monday to Friday. The decision to extend the opening hours reflects a commitment to be available at a time that suits members.
Carol Sherlock, Head of Membership Services, said: “We are enhancing the existing service with new technology and extended opening hours, to allow for greater accessibility to those members who want membership advice during non-office hours.
“We recognise that most of our members work non-standard hours, so to provide a higher quality of service we are opening our helpline for longer.”
In addition, during the busy summer period the helpline will boast a dedicated team of advisers who will handle all calls from doctors-in-training.
Ms Sherlock added: “To improve service, MPS has also invested in telephone software that will allow intelligent routing and improved management of calls, particularly during the very busy summer period.”
For membership enquiries, which are those relating to subscription payments, renewals, changes in personal or contact details or practice profiles, ring 08457 187187 (UK) or 1800 509 441 (Ireland).
For other enquiries relating to your medical/dental practice, or to seek medicolegal advice, ring 0845 605 4000.