From the Editor

Indu Deglurkar, Publishing Secretary, SCTS

Ireckon we have all done a lot of The thought provoking article by Steve ramifications as well. Space... the final editing in our time and indeed editing Large on independent operating and whether frontier and the gliding voyages of Nick and auditing are tasks that I innately the graduation of Mr Alt O’Gether to Mr Odom highlights the similarities in enjoy. Yet, when our President, Richard Alt O’Gether-Perfect should involve a junior multidimensional awareness of atmosphere Page, telephoned to offer me the job of Consultancy period is worth exploring be it in theatres or in space. Clearly, once a Publications Secretary following a round further. This is counterbalanced with a cardiac surgeon, always a cardiac surgeon of late evening interviews, I suddenly had trainee’s perspective that opportunities to holds good after retirement too. mixed feelings... joy of course, but equally operate independently are variable and We have reports from Narain laced with sudden doubts as these Moorjani, Honorary Secretary are unchartered territories. This encouraging involvement with the was short lived due to the ease and patience with which Vipin “In my new role as Editor I will SCTS. David Jenkins reports on the development of the new “Blue & Isabelle have guided me into introduce a brief constructive Book” that will review 15 years editing the bulletin. of cardiac surgery data & Doug

In the Presidential “Candid Column” to stimulate West announces the publication communication, Richard Page talks about nurturing individuals debate about practices, team of the third Thoracic Blue Book later this year - no doubt we are to engage with the Society, the GIRFT report and its use of HES working, commissioning, in for plenty of interesting data ahead. Rajesh Shah reports on the to produce helpful comparison between Units in England, explore education & training, leadership imminent change in curriculum in 2019 & Sri Rathinam reports on outcomes beyond operative mortality and service issues. & resource management.” a constantly evolving Education portfolio. Carol & Sunil relate the

We have been inundated challenges of assessing a trainee’s with a range of articles. If lack of exposure limited. The management of this difficult knowledge before and after the course. equals not being equipped to excel, there is transition with minimal implications to There is a wealth of information for AHPs certainly no paucity of global exposure in the patient, trainee and the consultant, given out by Helen Munday, Tara Bartley the Cardiothoracic community given the acquiring nontechnical skills to compliment & Bhuvana Krishnamoorthy. Clinton Lloyd wide breadth of Fellowships undertaken the technical skills and the finished “end & team are bracing themselves for another and the acquisition of a number of skills product” is the BIG question. busy annual meeting. which will enrich our practice. I felt that Joel Dunning’s article which In my new role as Editor of this popular, is essentially an unique & useful bulletin, I will request

Nick Odom (page 63) compares honest, sensitive one article by invitation and introduce a his gliding voyages to the multidimensional awareness account from brief constructive “Candid Column” and of atmosphere in theatre a patient living submissions will be open to all members. with a severe This is specifically to stimulate debate about chest deformity practices, team working, commissioning, in a Society that education & training, leadership & resource prizes a “strong management... anything that may be & proud” chest worthwhile. As a Society we can remain at is a timely the forefront, chart out our own road map reminder that our and firmly cement our position as key players. Commissioner’s Enjoy the glorious summer & many need to thanks to Isabelle for all the help. understand the I welcome all suggestions and feedback emotional and and can be contacted at indu.deglurkar@ psychological wales.nhs.uk n