In April 1991, with the advent of NHS reforms, the hospital management
asked me to take on an enhanced managerial role, including responsibi
lity for orthodontics, ENT and ophthalmology services. Was the basis o
f this request my apparent neutrality in hospital politics and being a
fairminded individual? It was more likely that the person who should
have done the job was on long-term sick leave following cardiac surger
y. Was the extra commitment worth it? I reflect on a not untypical wee
k.