From Part 1 of your post we seem to be in broad agreement there, Graham.

Not so sure about Part 2, though. frown

I always like to give everyone a fair go, Mate ... and you have been kind to me in the past. But three points if I may:-

1) Any comments I may record vis-à-vis practices in the NHS (nota bene not the "workers" themselves) are based on my personal observations over recent years (not to mention over 35 years of involvement with "practices" elsewhere spanning from "Best" to ... er, "Worst")!

2) Remember (as I never tire of mentioning) there is a Whole World of Biomed outside the British government health services. Many techs come here (on the forum) looking for clues, tip and advise in general ... and probably don't know anything (or couldn't care less) about the NHS.

3) Yes, I acknowledge the "guidelines" spewed out by government. But as far as I am aware, it is not always "legislation". Some of what goes on is (IMHO) only done for, shall we say, traditional (and/or CYA) reasons. smile

If you don't inspect ... don't expect.