Why I’ve had enough of performative public service posturing

From stolen phones to broken bones and faulty trains, we’ve reached a dreadful impasse with our public services, writes Chris Blackhurst, who knows from personal experience just how stagnated they’ve become...

Many people see the crisis in the NHS and are frustrated by those in charge refusing to fix the problems. Instead of solutions the government chooses obfuscation (AFP via Getty)

On 26 January, my GP referred me to a clinic at Charing Cross. A letter arrives from Charing Cross telling me that the referral will be “reviewed” by 26 March.

I know what the GP’s letter said and it was straightforward. How it can be “reviewed” is beyond me.

Of course, it is not being “reviewed” at all. This is a neat fobbing off. The GP’s missive was replied to on receipt. That enables the hospital managers to say it was dealt with immediately, which is good for the statistics.