David Newnham

Tell us a story.

Want to hear some good news? Of course not. Only bad news sells papers, attracts viewers, gets clicks. Good news is for freesheets and council newsletters. Young people raise cash for puppies? Pass the sick bag.

Keep it brief

I am worried about my pants. You think I should keep this to myself? Fear not - this is purely a matter of biochemistry.

The science bit.

Next time you find yourself folding sheets, take a moment to consider Einsteins vision of the universe. The man who gave us relativity believed that space and time, far from being smooth and regular, can be bent out of shape by objects with mass. A bit like a bed sheet.

Deadly paradise: David Newnham faces a hefty travel vaccination bill

Where have all the children gone? Vietnam. If you think that sounds like a 1960s protest song, you would be wrong.

Shattering news: David Newnham takes pride in a pristine screen

When I fear I am becoming clumsy in old age, I take out my smartphone, cradle it in the palm of my hand and admire its pristine glass surfaces.

Round in circles.

There are more than 1,200 home exercise bikes for sale on Gumtree. Thats more than 1,200 sellers whose dreams of peak fitness lie abandoned in the corner of the spare bedroom or garage. But one of them now has an extra £15 to spend on comfort food.

Fine fare: Mother-in-law knows best, says David Newnham

Getting a dessert recipe from Janets mum is like getting custard out of a stone. How does she make Eves pudding - the baked apple and sponge treat that is the ultimate answer to all those nasty mother-in-law jokes?

Wasted time: David Newnham gets stuck in a 999 Catch 22

For many, being part of an abysmal data warehouse project is a rite of passage. But that doesn’t make it any easier. The project manager and consultant who were central figures in the datawarehousing effort at the company we’ll call Close Call Corp. deserve credit for candidly sharing their experiences here. Through a spokesman, the CEO of Close Call—who pushed for the warehouse in the first place—declined to comment.

Quiet please: David Newnham would rather not hear some things

those experienced by patients receiving home enteral or parenteral nutrition. The report highlighted yet again that service provision and the experience of patients and their families are variable across the NHS. Not surprisingly, the most vulnerable patients are often experiencing the greatest inequalities. The report sets out these fi ndings: Being proactive, not reactive, is key when addressing nutrition and hydration issues. Individuality is key for care given. Monitoring and following up of patients is vital when they are screened for malnutrition, not just initial treatment. Check advice and never assume that a patient is comfortable with information provided. Patients and their carers must be able to play a proactive role. Transition periods between care settings must be planned. Out-of-hours service provision must not be a ‘tick box’ exercise. Patient training is crucial for those on complex therapies. Patients, families, carers and patient organisations represented in the report stand ready to be involved directly in improving care; they can contribute if they are involved in a meaningful way. Nurses need to be aware of this report and fi nd ways to work with their colleagues and patients to ensure patients are genuinely involved in their care and the development of services. Communication is key, and nurses need time to exchange information and effectively communicate with patients and carers.

Just desserts: David Newnham is feeling stuffed

compassion to herself. The destructive inner critic had taken over her consciousness, and when we hear a voice telling us we are rubbish all the time, it stops us seeing things clearly. It inhibits forgiveness, the expression of loving kindness, and acceptance of our humanity and limitations. No one fl ourishes if they are constantly being told they are not good enough, whether that voice comes from inside or out. A big part of the work ahead for my nurse was for her to show compassion and forgiveness for herself. Only then could she embrace the diffi culties she faced with acceptance.