The Joke is on the NHS

I've somehow managed to get onto the mailing list for NHS Leeds, which has recently unveiled its new web site - good for them, I thought to myself.

The NHS Trust in the region has put a 'hilarious' video together of local people telling doctor, doctor jokes and wants 50,000 viewers on YouTube to make the video a smash hit.

Chief executive John Lawlor says the web site was the best way to provide information on local health services. I agree with that - great idea.

"We wanted to make a video which was fun and something people would respond to..." he adds. My question is.....why?

Normally when people are looking at local health service sites it is because they are not feeling well, their friends/families are not feeling well or they are new to the area and want to learn about what is on offer. I can't see many of them are after a social experience.

A few abysmal doctor,doctor jokes are hardly going to make a huge difference - they want to know about quality of care, will they get care, where/who do they turn to etc etc.

This type of gimmick is typical of dumbed-down Britain - where 'touchy-feely' public sector bodies think the best way to get a message across is to be pally and jokey with people.

Just give them the bloody facts and tell them who they should contact.

As a local newspaper reporter at the beginning of my journalist career I had the misfortune of having to attend a number of NHS Trust meetings.

Having witnessed the sheer amount of hot air, total rubbish and a 90-minute discussion on the Trust Christmas party/outing in one meeting - I may be a little biased against the use of a Trust when it comes to the NHS - but please if you feel differently and value their contribution to society do let me know.