Introduction

Ian's stories cover topics including concordance with treatment, working as a team, and developing systems that benefit patients.

As a person with HIV and a bi-polar disorder, Ian Kramer has plenty of experience not only of the NHS but also of healthcare systems in other countries; he is sure they could learn from each other.

Another pair of eyes

Ian has his blood taken regularly by the same nurse who never gloves up UNTIL one day a senior nurse asks to observe.

Serving the patient's needs

Ian had to take one day a month off work in order to collect his various prescriptions from different places. Although before a dedicated pharmacy was eventually installed. He pleads with Trust boards to review systems to ensure that they meet patients' needs.

Measured innovation: working together

Ian faces a daily cocktail of drugs that often make him nauseous. Together with his consultant and pharmacist, they work out a regime that is more acceptable to Ian and thus encourages concordance with treatment.

Ian Kramer died on the 28th of May 2006 at St Nicholas' Hospice in Bury St Edmunds. Ian was passionate about making things better for patients and gave generously of his time and stories. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Patient Voices programme from its inception, and we are priviledged to have known and worked with him.

Copyright 2009 Pilgrim Projects Limited.

Medicine