Corporate Governance Of The Uk And Lehman Bros - 1229 Words

Due to a significant number of large company scandals and collapses internationally in recent years, for example, Robert Maxwell, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) in the UK and Lehman Bros, WorldCom in the US. These has raised an attention to the importance of corporate governance. According to the definition of â€Å"Corporate Governance† by The Economic Times (2009). It is â€Å"Corporate governance refers to the set of systems, principles and processes by which a company is governed. They provide the guidelines as to how the company can be directed or controlled such that it can fulfil its goals and objectives in a manner that adds to the value of the company and is also beneficial for all stakeholders in the long term.† The main purpose of corporate†¦show more content†¦Therefore in 2012 the government introduced the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act in order to subject shareholders a binding vote on executive pay. With this power, shareholders can hold comp anies to account and hence companies need to get shareholders’ approval before making payments to executives. Therefore, shareholders will have a clear mind on director’s remuneration policy which will set out how the company proposes to pay director in order to ensure the relationship between director’s pay and company performance. It requires more than 50% of shareholders to pass the policy, otherwise it will go back to last approved policy. In order to administrate the company effectively, a balance is needed to be taken between investor’s expectation and executive’s incentive to work. Hence, this essay will discuss whether shareholders should have a say on Executive Compensation in the UK context. The following will discuss several reasons that shareholders should have a say on executive pay. Firstly, The Walker Report in 2009 suggests shareholders to be more active to protect their interest by taking more actions to exercise director’s control such as attending the annual general meeting and vote as they wish. As they are the owner of the company, they have the rights to know what the company is intent to do and also the reason shareholders invest, is to share the profit in the company. According to Burns and Minnick (2011), giving

Essay On Vincent Van Gogh - 1590 Words

Authors and Artists Essay A life full of color ranging from the darkest black to the brightest yellow and days of loneliness without the company of another person is what gave Vincent van Gogh dedication to his artwork through tons of time and unwavering compassion towards his works. Through a tough life experienced many times in the wilderness, Gary Paulsen uses his past experiences to personally reach the creative minds of young children and young adults through writing. When Paulsen was 14, he ran away and joined a carnival. Later in life, he took up dog sled racing, and spent hours in the wilderness, fending for both himself and his dogs. Some of this information can be found in Woodsong by Gary Paulsen. It is an autobiography about†¦show more content†¦Authors and artists are similar because both utilize elements of their crafts, show perspective in their works, and draw inspiration from their own lives. First, the elements of their craft support the ideas they are trying to express one of these ideas that is similar between both of them is by using certain words and colors to display feelings, details, ideas, and actions nonverbally. â€Å"...without a warning, the engine coughed, roared violently for a second, and then died† (Paulsen, Hatchet 24). This is personification because humans cough and eventually die, so these attributes are being used to describe an engine of a plane. In Vincent’s painting of Dr. Gatchet (one of his earliest paintings), he used colors such as dark blue, dark green, tan, brown and dirty white, depicted in a very sad and depressed state (Bucks and Holub, 5, 12, and 13), while after he lived in Paris, he started using brighter colors consisting of bright green, blue, yellow, pink, white, and red as shown in his portrait of Pere Tanguy that includes a bunch of colorful Japanese paintings in the background (Bucks and Holub, 13, 14, and 17). Vinc ent’s earliest paintings before he moved to Paris consisted of very dark and gloomy colors and pictures of sad people and things with no real meaning. But after he started living in Paris, he painted with bright colors depicting scenes of nature and architecture and murals and happy people. These pieces of textual and visualShow MoreRelated Vincent Van Gogh Essay1579 Words   |  7 PagesVincent Van Gogh The people back in the 19th century really didn’t accept Van Gaogh’s truthful and emotionally morbid way of expressing the way of art is to himself. It finally was seen as art through the people’s eyes. This set a stage of art that is now known as Expressionism. It is best characterized by the use of symbols and a style that expresses the artist’s inner feelings about his subject. His style of painting is exemplified by a projection of the painter’s inner experience onto theRead More Vincent Van Gogh Essay1593 Words   |  7 Pages Most casual art lovers see Van Gogh as a troubled but successful artist. This is far from the actual truth of his chaotic life which was filled with failure in every occupational pursuit he attempted including painting, and was marked by episodes of depression, violence, and abnormal behavior. Thanks to the preservation of thousands of letters Van Gogh had written to friends and family, especially to his brother Theo, we have a nearly complete understanding of his feelings, experiments, andRead More Vincent van Gogh Essay722 Words   |  3 Pagesnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Vincent van Gogh was born in Groot Zundert, The Netherlands on 30 March 1853. He is the son of Theodorus van Gogh and Anna Cornelia Carbentus. Van Gogh attended a boarding school in Zevenbergen for two years and then went on to attend the King Willem II secondary school in Tilburg for two more years. Then at the age of 15 he left his studies. Vincents two uncles and his younger brothers are art dealers and the inflounced Vincent greatly. Vincent also became an art dealerRead More Vincent Van Gogh Essay1243 Words   |  5 Pages Biography of Vincent Van Gogh What drove Vincent Van Gogh, born March 30,1853, to his mental illness and suicide? Could it have been the many things he tried, but failed at in his life? He failed in many different careers, in love, and even his artwork. Van Gogh sold only one painting his entire life. Because of his mental illness, he was considered a crazy person. At the age of sixteen, Van Gogh went to go work with his Uncle Vincent, whom he was named after, as an art dealer at the Goupil andRead More Vincent Van Gogh Essay1492 Words   |  6 Pagesyears time.quot; - VINCENT VAN GOGH, 1890 What could be a more disturbing image than the one of Vincent Van Gogh as the wanderer? Of his time spent in poverty and isolation he sought to help those around him, and perhaps to find himself in the process. Picture Vincent as he gives his first Sunday sermon in Isleworth, outside of London. He was so passionate about his beliefs, but never really connected with the religious world. His sermon must have really been something. Van gogh traveled to BrusselsRead MoreVincent Van Gogh Essay1397 Words   |  6 PagesVincent Van Gogh was one of the world s greatest artists. Though not widely known in his lifetime, he is now considered to be the greatest Dutch artist aside from Rembrandt. He was born Vincent William van Gogh in Groot-Zundert, a small town in Brabant Netherlands, on March 30, 1853. His father was a protestant pastor which is believed to have greatly influenced Van Gogh . His mother, Anna Cornelia Carbentus, was artist that loved nature, drawing and watercolors. Her interest in all of theseRead More Vincent Van Gogh Essay585 Words   |  3 Pages Vincent Van Gogh Although he is almost unknown during his brief lifetime, Vincent Willem van Gogh, was born Mar. 30, 1853, in Groot-Zundert, the Netherlands and is today probably the most known and appreciated representative of art. His work became an important bridge between the 19th and 20th centuries; and it was particularly influential . Van Gogh clearly showed artistic talent even as a child, but neither he or his family imagined that painting would become his career. Instead, at the age ofRead More Vincent Van Gogh Essay557 Words   |  3 Pages Vincent Van Gogh nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Vincent Van Gogh; a well known name by most and a highly reputable figure amongst painters and other artists, he showed his true talent and passion for the arts in his short career, a career which only lasted ten years (Preble 117). As we know, it takes a tremendous amount of effort, awareness and creativity to convey your emotions, thoughts and feelings through your work. Here, we will attempt to construe his feelings through his work and also beginRead More Vincent van Gogh Essay1550 Words   |  7 PagesVincent van Gogh In present time, Vincent van Gogh is probably the most widely known and highly appreciated person of postimpressionism. During his brief lifetime, Vincent’s work went almost unknown to this world. His work now hangs in countless museums throughout the world and is considered priceless. His work became an important bridge between the 19th and 20th centuries. The art-historical term, Postimpressionism was coined by Roger Fry a British art critic, who described the variousRead MoreBiography of Vincent Van Gogh Essay636 Words   |  3 Pagesattention to some. Van Gogh was born in Groot-Zundert, Holland on March 30, 1853. Vincent Van Gogh was born into a family of religion and strictness. His dad was a pastor in town. Van Gogh’s mother, Anna Cornelia Carbentus, was the daughter of Willem Carbentus. Her dad had bound the first Constitution of Holland. The name Vincent was given to him by his parents because a year prior to his arrival, his parents had had another son whom they tragically lost at the time of his birth. Vincent was the youngest

Sociological Perspectives And Trends Of Health And Illness

M2 Use different sociological perspectives to discuss patterns and trends of health and illness in two different social groups. D1 Evaluate different sociological explanations for patterns and trends of health and illness in two different social groups. Introduction In this assignment I will be writing about two sociological perspectives and discus there patterns and trends of health and illness to two social groups. The black report was published in 1980, and it included different facts about how health can be improved from all different backgrounds in different social groupings. There is still a co-relation between social class and infant mortality rates, life expectancy and inequalities in the use of medical services. This report looked at the differences between health and illness. Sociologists from this very day still use the black report to look at inequalities of health because it was that significant and powerful. Different researches do believe that there is a link between social class and health. It is a statistical impression and also it has been argued that there isn’t really a pattern in social class, age and peoples employment that has had an impact on people’s health inequalities. Statistical artefact is a connection that shows how different systems have been used and measured. lower class have a much higher morbidity and mortality rates which are compared with the higher class that only work in offices or as a doctors. Researchers haveShow MoreRelatedMerit 2 – Use different sociological perspectives to discuss patterns and trends of health and illness in two different social groups.1037 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿Merit 2 – Use different sociological perspectives to discuss patterns and trends of health and illness in two different social groups. Distinction 1 - Evaluate different sociological explanations for patterns and trends of health and illness in two different social groups. There are many different factors that can increase your chance of becoming ill and dying. The different factors are social class, gender, age and ethnicity. The different social groups I will look at are social class and genderRead MoreSociology M2-D1803 Words   |  3 PagesM2 - Use different sociological perspectives to discuss patterns and trends of health and illness in two different social groups D1 - Evaluate different sociological explanations for patterns and trends of health and illness in two different social groups In this assignment I hope to effectively discuss and evaluate the patterns and trends associated with health and illness within the higher and lower social classes. I am going to do this by discussing and evaluating the following explanationsRead MoreEssay about Health and Social Care a-Level Unit 7 M2 and D1692 Words   |  3 PagesM2- Use different sociological perspectives to discuss patterns and trends of health and illness in TWO different social groups. I’m going to write about two different social groups, Gender and Social Class because Feminism fits in to gender and Marxism fits into Social Class. D1- Evaluate different sociological explanations for patterns and trends of health and illness in two different social groups. Social Class- Marxism. M2: This table shows that people who live in most deprived areas areRead MoreSocial Variables Of Race, Gender, Class And Health914 Words   |  4 Pagesbetween the key social variables of race, gender, class and health. The relationship between key social variables of race, gender, class and health is important for sociologist. Intersection of race, class and gender can help predict health related outcomes. According to Henslin (2014) sociologist stress the need to use sociological imagination in understanding how personal troubles are related to changes in society. This sociological perspective makes people aware of how social context influences thingsRead MorePatterns And Trends Regarding Health And Illness Vary Within Different Social Groupings759 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿Patterns and trends regarding health and illness vary within different social groupings. For example, age and social class. Most people at retirement age are healthy and fit making valued contributions to society through paid work, volunteer work and by being a good citizen to society. However there are significant higher levels of illness in people over 75 due to their bodies being unable to function as well as it did as th ey age, therefore they are unlikely to receive as much exercise and freshRead MoreSociological Approaches Of Mental Illness1367 Words   |  6 Pageswith mental illness, where their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors violate own or others expectations (the violation of social norms). This sociological approach is frequently debated where the individual is being conceptualized as either sick or deviant which then reflects on their deviant behavior. Deviant behaviors should not determine whether someone is mentally ill or not. There are individuals who are mentally sick, such as pedophiles, in which most would agree to have mental illness though thereRead MoreThe Sociology Of Health And Illness1292 Words   |  6 PagesLight Hughes (2000) explains that Medical sociology or the sociology of health and illness is majorly based on the empiricist philosophy which uses the measurement of objectives for quantitative change. Lupton (2012) traces that early in its development, medical sociology inherited rationalist approach for its acceptance as semi-scientific methodology and by virtue of which is considered as a component of social medicine rather than Read MoreIs Schizophrenia A Mental Illness?1726 Words   |  7 Pages SCHIZOPHRENIA Kennya Castro â€Æ' Schizophrenia is a mental illness that plagues about 1 out of every 100 Americans. Despite this fact, most of the general public remains ignorant to the basic pathology of the disease and the mechanisms of identifying and treating it. It is considered by some to be a â€Å"scary† mental illness and is often ignored, when compared to the other equally serious and caustic ones like Generalized Anxiety Disorder (also referred to as GAD), ADHD, and Chronic Depression. ThisRead MoreDurkheim s Suicide And Suicide1651 Words   |  7 Pagesknowledge that without these acts, death would be the result. As far as Durkheim was concerned, although suicide itself is a very individual act, the reasoning behind suicide was due to predominantly social factors (Durkheim 1970, p44). Suicide was sociological, not psychological. His research was based not on the personality traits of those who had committed suicide, but instead at the suicide rates of different countries compared to the social fa ctors that link the countries together (Durkheim 1970Read MoreMental Health Issues: What ´s Stigma? 3355 Words   |  13 PagesIntroduction The aim of this literature review is to examine stigma as an influential factor on help seeking behaviours for young adults with mental health issues. The terms stigma has been present and utilised first by the Greeks, who used the term to describe a marking which signified something unusual or corrupt about a person’s moral status (Goffman 1968, Davis 2006). It has been further modernised in Erving Goffman’s (1963) ‘’Stigma, Notes of the management of spoiled identity’’ but has largely

The Internet And Its Effect On Society - 1553 Words

Abstract This research paper is about the Internet. I choose to write a Qualitative essay because the Internet has a myriad of information to speak on. Moreover, using the Qualitative research method over the Quantitative research gave me a chance to become more knowledgeable in exactly what I was writing on. It also gave me a chance to understand and become more aware of the topic to write a great essay. Additionally, when I looked at the numerical data from the Quantitative research the information I was reading was not clear at all. My paper was based on contextual dependence, in depth meaning, and research process inductively. Throughout the world, the internet continues to have significant effect on society. Many argue that the†¦show more content†¦Social networking has also made it easier to be carefree and human by possibly finding romance and potentially meeting a husband or wife on any social network. Lastly, social media can also be used when you opt to participate in a social network community, also you can pick and choose those individuals whose likes and dislikes are similar to yours and build your network around those commonalities. The internet is filled with an enormous wide spread of education. Knowledge is truly power, being educated is possibly one of the greatest joys a person can ever receive. People browse internet for information using popular search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing to know about any necessary information. One of the most famous searches last year 2014 was the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, this made a lot of people more aware of the life threatening disease. This also allowed the ALS awareness organization to Ice Bucket Donations Continue to Rise: $94.3 Million since July 29 of 2014. Moreover, various websites such as Khan Academy, Math Way, and W3Schools offers a myriad of online courses to learn various things like designing, programming, engineering, medical, finance and other subjects. Entertainment is one of the internet most popular browsing reasons as well. The Internet has had an ardent impact on entertainment. People have been able to gain a myriad of access to it on the desktop computers within their own homes, and more recently on portable devices such

Quinte MRI free essay sample

The main concern of Kevin Saskiw and David Wright, BD coordinators at Quinte MRI, was addressed to ineffectiveness of the operation system at Quinte MRI. They were struggling to find the right solution for Chief Executive officer Dr. Syed Haider. Quinte MRI clinic in Belleville had 14 days patients’ waiting list for MRI scans. On other hand patients were experiencing frequent delays at the clinic due to poor communication between the patients and scheduling department. Due to the issues above, the Quinte MRI started to lose their clients as physicians started to refer their patients to competing MRI clinics. The systematic issues were identified as lack of overall organization understanding strategy, as well as lack of tools and system for proper communication. There was also lack of staff and unsystematic approach to manage the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) facility at Benton-Cooper Medical Centre (BCMC) in Palmer. , NewYork. In order to solve the case, Saskiw and Wright had to examine the process flows for the patient, the technologists’ process for serving clients (patients and radiologists) and the transcription report. Once the new system is implemented this will ensure that Quinte MRI will meet the required efficiencies outlined by our client. This report will be used for discussion in our meeting with you tomorrow, June 14. Kevin Saskiw, David Wright Business Development Coordinators June 13, 2002 Immediate Issue Only six weeks into service, the MRI clinic is backlogged with a lead time of 14 days. The sole MR Technologist is working overtime just to keep up with the appointments. The clinic is not meeting the 2 day lead time and 2 scan per hour capacity that the hospital expects of them. This immediate issue is causing the secondary issues at the clinic which are listed below. Secondary Issues BCMC scheduling appointments: Hospital administration is currently scheduling all appointments for the MRI clinic. The hospital has never had this responsibility before, and they are not aware of how long each type of procedure takes. Having 24-hour availability, seven days a week is critical to the partnership with BCMC since we have agreed to meet capacity targets of two scans per hour. Working overtime: The only MR Technologist we have works 40 hours of overtime several weeks in a row to catch up with the appointments. The scheduling delays are on his shoulders because he is the only Technologist we have to see patients. He experiences frantic running around in order to get the procedures done that have been poorly scheduled. He is growing unhappy because he has limited time with his family. Idle time: Patients are booked at the wrong times and they are not being screened properly. Patients who shouldn’t receive an MRI are scheduled and then sent home causing idle time between appointments. Sometimes the scheduling department under-books for the day because personnel can’t read the schedule due to poor hand written notes. Angry patients: Patients are being scheduled for MRI’s when they are not needed. In addition, they are booked at the wrong times and get very angry when they are sent home because they took time off work. Management reaction: Monica Zimmerman, Manager of Radiology, is concerned that Sinclair is working too many hours. She is pressuring us to hire a second MR Technologist to take workload off of Sinclair and improve lead time. Analysis Qualitative Quinte MRI is a small but growing international service provider specializing in MRI services, among other medical technologies. We are seasoned in exclusive and partnership business arrangements with hospitals, physicians and individuals. We have adopted a culture of providing high-level health services to small communities to match those available in large urban areas. We offer impressive capabilities such as 24 hour service seven days per week which we consider to be our competitive advantage in this industry. Our people have always been committed to maintaining Quinte’s culture of integrity and personal attentiveness to the health services we provide. There is significant demand for MRI scans in the United States. The annual scan rate is approximately 68 per 1000 people. It is anticipated that the demand for MRI scans in Adelaide County will continue to grow at approximately 15 percent per year. In addition, the Cancer rate of Adelaide County is higher than the national average, making this partnership with BCMC a sustainable business decision for Quinte. At time of opening, turnkey operations were set up in the mobile clinic to service BCMC at full capacity. We leased and installed a 1.5-Tesla GE short-bore high-speed MRI system at the hospital’s request. The incentive of entering into this deal with BCMC was to hold 100% interest and be responsible for most of our operations and management. This was a strategic move since interest held in all of our other clinics is currently less than 20 percent. When we negotiated the contract with BCMC, we did not discuss training requirements and administration of training since we were responsible for the operations and management. We did not train the hospital’s Scheduling Department on our scanning scheduling requirements. This was a significant oversight on our part. Six weeks into servicing BCMC, we already have a waiting list of 14 days for MRI scans. BCMC is very unhappy that we are not living up to the capacity promises we made to them of scanning two patients per hour. They are complaining that they are losing patient referrals from doctors within the hospital and in the surrounding community. They are sending potential customers to the competition because we cannot provide timely scans, and this is lost revenue both Quinte and BCMC since we are direct partners. Quantitative In the last three weeks of business, the MR Technologist is scanning at an average of approximately 10 scans per day. This is the performance with an average of 9 hours of weekly overtime. According to our agreement with BCMC, this number should be 16 scans per day, and we should not require overtime based on what we know about our operations and time required for each procedure. Month Day Date # of Scans Hours Worked Overtime Hours Overtime Costs May Monday 20 10 9 1 $48 May Tuesday 21 12 11.5 3.5 $168 May Wednesday 22 11 10 2 $96 May Thursday 23 13 11 3 $144 May Friday 24 10 9.5 1.5 $72 May Saturday 25 0 0 0 $0 May Sunday 26 0 0 0 $0 TOTAL 56 51 11 $528 DAILY AVG 11.2 10.2 Month Day Date # of Scans Hours Worked Overtime Hours Overtime Costs May Monday 27 0 0 0 $0 May Tuesday 28 10 8 0 $0 May Wednesday 29 16 12 4 $192 May Thursday 30 7 6 0 $0 May Friday 31 10 12 4 $192 June Saturday 1 0 0 0 $0 June Sunday 2 0 0 0 $0 TOTAL 43 38 8 $384 DAILY AVG 10.75 9.5 Month Day Date # of Scans Hours Worked Overtime Hours Overtime Costs June Monday 3 0 0 0 $0 June Tuesday 4 7 7.5 0 $0 June Wednesday 5 12 12 4 $192 June Thursday 6 12 12 4 $192 June Friday 7 6 5.5 0 $0 June Saturday 8 0 0 0 $0 June Sunday 9 0 0 0 $0 TOTAL 37 37 8 $384 DAILY AVG 9.25 9.25 In the past 3 full weeks, we have incurred $1296.00 in overtime fees to pay Sinclair. A review of current operations allowed us to identify bottlenecks in the scanning and diagnostic processes in order to see where the problem operations exist. We have identified the 90 minute procedures in the Scanning Process, and film transfer to the Radiologist in the Diagnostic Process to be the bottleneck operations in this system. The Scanning Process Operation Minutes Bottleneck Operation? Customer contact MRI scheduling dept for appointment 5 Receptionist schedule appointment 1 On arrival, patient check in at Reception Desk 2 Patient wait in waiting room unknown MR Technologist escort new patient MR machine, ask health questions, check clothing acceptable for scan 5 Patient indicating health risks are sent home (1.2 per day) 1 Metal objects on clothes require change into hospital gown 4 Orientation of procedure in scan room and verify paperwork 1 MR Tech position the patient in the MR scanner 4 Perform MRI procedure: 30 min 16.5 45 min 24.75 60 min 33 90 min 49.5 MR Tech enters patient information into the hospitals system 1 MR Tech print MRI films (per patient) 6 MR Tech remove patient from scanner 4 MR Tech escort patient back to Reception Desk 2 Hospital gown requires change into street clothes 4 MR Tech check off procedure completion at Reception Desk 1 Radiologist read patient film and determine diagnosis 5 TOTAL MINUTES PER PATIENT 90.5 TOTAL HOURS PER PATIENT 1.5 The Diagnostic Process Operation Minutes Bottleneck Operation? MR Tech transfer film to Radiologist 360 Radiologist read and diagnose film 5 Radiologist transfer diagnosis to Transcription Department 1 Transcription Department types diagnosis 180 Radiologist approve typed transcription diagnosis 120 TOTAL MINUTES FOR DIAGNOSIS 666 TOTAL HOURS FOR DIAGNOSIS 11.1 Alternatives Short Term ST1 Do nothing. The clinic will continue to be backlogged and we will be unable to meet our promise of scanning two patients per hour. Our reputation with BCMC will be lost quickly as they will continue to refer patients to competing clinics. In addition, patients will continue to be angry if they are waiting past the appointment time scheduled. ST2 Hire part time MR Technologist and add partial second shift to help Jeff Sinclair. ST3 Hire full time MR Technologist to help Jeff Sinclair. ST4 Reclaim scheduling operation and stop paying the hospital $5.00 per scan for the service. The MRI clinic Receptionist will organize all scheduling. With the current scheduling setup, and we are not meeting our targets. The clinic has promised the hospital that we will scan two patients per hour and maintain an MRI lead time of two days so the scheduling function needs to be brought back under our control. ST5 Create standard Service Requisition Form mandatory for all patients. No appointments can be made without the standard form. Quinte would provide an electronic copy to hospitals, physicians and individuals requesting MRI services. In addition, we could set up a general email account for receipt of all requisition forms. Any client issuing a requisition form for services must submit electronically to [emailprotected], with the patients first and last name as the subject line. When the patient or hospital administrator contacts our Reception Desk to set up appointment, the receptionist can view the patients requisition form and schedule the proper procedure and time slot required. The following information would need to be on the requisition form: Procedure required Contact info and address of clinic Instructions and clothing restrictions for day of appointment ST6 Create standard questionnaire mandatory for patients to fill out in order to determine whether there are health conflicts preventing the MRI procedure. The patient would arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled appointment to fill out the questionnaire. The Receptionist would prepare the form with the patient’s file for the MR Technician to review when he is ready. The questionnaire would also include questions that help the patient determine whether they are wearing appropriate clothing and if they require changing into a hospital gown or not. ST7 Implement late fees and cancellation fees to encourage patient compliance to the schedule. Patients cannot reschedule a missed appointment without paying the incurred late fee. Late fees must be paid prior to the scheduled MRI. All fees to be stated clearly on patient requisition form so all patients are aware of them. If patients are on time and do not cancel appointments at the last minute, there will be less idle time on the MRI machine and less frantic running around trying to calm angry patients. Recommendation Implementation Plan # Description Type Horizon Responsibility Start End Status 1 Reclaim scheduling operation from hospital Strategic Short Term Dr. Syed Haider, Davis Wright, Kevin Saskiw June 14 June 27 Not Started 2 Create electronic schedule in Microsoft Excel Tactical Short Term Receptionist, MR Technologist June 14 June 16 Not Started

Kerang Train Crash in Australia Samples †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Kerang Train Crash in Australia. Answer: Kerang Train crash in Australia This train accident occurred on 5th of June in 2007 at 13:40 AEST in Australian state of Victoria , that is about six kilometres north of the city of the Kerang in the state NorthWest , and 257 kilometres that is north-northwest of the city of the Melbourne (Australia, 2014) . The Southbound V/Line passenger train program 8042 that are comprised of the locomotive N460 together with the carriage set which was N7 was operating into by the northbound semi-trailer truck at the level crossing exactly where the Piangil railway line crosses the Murray valley Highway . The locomotive as well as the carriage eluded the impact as the truck swerved in direction of the left (Glendon, Clarke McKenna, 2016). Nevertheless, the 2nd carriage in addition to the third carriage were struck both, which brought on very intense damages that occurred to the carriages and fatal injury to eleven passengers. The truck needed innumerable forty tonnes and it had been travelling at one hundred kilometres per ho ur, its effect was a devastating tragedy (Australia, 2014). The truck, that was owned by the Canny Carrying Business of the Wangaratta and was driven by the Christiaan Scholl, was damaged extremely on consequence to the carriage. School merely continual a shoulder and a head injuries. In this accident eleven individuals died and twenty three were injured in this crash, this was one of the deadliest crash in Australian since the 1977 that took place at Granville (Glendon, Clarke McKenna, 2016). The Granville train derailed and run into the support of the road bridge and crashed on two train passenger carriages (Khan, Rathnayaka Ahmed, 2015). This accident killed eighty four people, and more than 210 were injured affecting 1300 individuals. The train which that was involved in Kerang accident was a locomotive hauled service from Swan Hill that had departed for Melbourne at around 13:00. The train was operated by N class locomotive and 3 vehicle N kind carriage set. This collision triggered the closure of most the close by part of Murray Valley Highway. Safety breaches which caused the accident. On this particularly accident it was caused by derailment. The derailment occurs when a train runs off its rail. In this derailment it was caused by a collision by a truck when it was at the cross road. The train crashed with the truck where there was a clear derailment of the running of the vehicle wheels on the track (Khan, Rathnayaka Ahmed, 2015). This was an obstruction which was encountered at the road at level crossings- which is the grade crossing. This impact was devastating because the truck was carrying more than 40 tonnes and it was moving at a high speed of 100kmh. the derailment in most of the cases cause a distribution on main lines to differ from the distribution on the yard or the siding tracks, as a result of different in nature of the operations in these two setting (Salmon, Lenne, Read, Walker Stanton, 2014). This type of derailment provides an insight into the development, evaluation, as well as the implementation of the accident prevention approaches given a sp ecific set of the operating conditions. Speed is a contributing factor in this derailment severity, and several qualitative and quantitative relationship between the derailments and the speed. Another aspect which have caused this accident could have been the fatigue. This is regarded as the lack of recuperative sleep. This might are actually contributed by time as well as workplace, the period of time spent at the workplace along with the amount as well as quality of rest that is accomplished to and after function periods (Salmon, Lenne, Read, Walker Stanton, 2014). Depending on the report the truck driver failed to did not have sufficient rest. Depending on the regulation in Victoria it involves a driver especially for truck to obtain a 30 minute sleep after driving for specific five hours (Haque, Chin Debnath, 2013). The motor vehicle driver happen to be on leisure leave for a few weeks. His measures in those days are not generally known as this may be likelihood of cumulative tiredness that should be present to beginning his work that day. An additional safety breach was contrast of the signals in addition to the train with the background. The contrast entails the difference in the brightness between an item and also its background (Khan, Rathnayaka Ahmed, 2015). The contrast usually performs a significant aspect in numerous visual duties, for instance discriminating objects in the intricate visual environments or simply to have the ability to look at the road sign. The level of contrast bears the capability to choose whether or not an object might be identified easily (Salmon, Lenne, Read, Walker Stanton, 2014). The moment the sun is directly or maybe indirectly recognizable to the road user it could result in the physical discomfort and potentially reduce a person capability to use visual data from the environment. The result of the sun might be amplified by imperfection or maybe damage to the windscreen of the vehicles (Mulvihill, Salmon, Beanland, Lenn, Read, Walker, Stanton, 2016). The condition of the truck b efore the incident might not be determined. The originality of the indicators could be lowered under these conditions particularly in which their luminance level is a great deal similar to the background, as it happens in the bright sunlight (Kemp, 2016). For that reason, the contrast between the signals along with surrounding might be less. With this accident the sun was almost direct even before the truck simply by the approach to the level crossing. Because of this position, it might be feasible that the sunlight then was mirrored off the surface of the road, which afflicted the drivers visibility of the warning signage and level crossing flashing lights (Zhao Khattak, 2017). Furthermore, it had been also reported from the study that the truck driver utilized the vision correcting glasses that changed on the effect of the glare. The position of the sun whenever the accident occurred designed that the side of the train that was dealing with the truck driver was shadowed. Because of this, the contrast between the trains in addition to its background is a bit more likely to have minimized and a lot less easy for one detect (Zhao Khattak, 2017). Based on the rail operators in Australia configure on the locomotive ditch lights to flash any time the locomotive warning horn is initialized to have the capability to help in improving the conspicuity of the locomotive. It was not with regards to this incident. Changes to policy which resulted from the incident and how this was implemented. Following this tragic accident there are various policy which have been implemented in order to prevent similar incident in the future. One of the aspect which was identified in regards to the accident was the safety of the level crossing (Ma, Guha, Choi, Anderson, Nealy, Withers Dietrich, 2017). First it is important to understand that the use of the level crossing is completely safe provided attention is paid and one obeys the laws and the regulations which are set. Nonetheless, as a result of this accident the government of Australia has been concerned with the occurrence of the accident. Therefore there policies in regards to managing the level crossing risk have been implemented (Zeigler, 2016). The government has said it will be only in exceptional circumstance will they permit new crossings to be introduced onto the network. They have continued educating the uses on how to use the crossing safety and they have highlighted to them the dangers associated to it. Moreover, the go vernment has opted to work with the police as well as the HM Railway Inspectorate (the office of the Rail Regulation) and attempt to promote enforcement of the law along with prosecution of any individual who abuses the level crossings (Salmon, Read, Stanton Lenn, 2013). The government aims to regularly examine and correctly sustain the level crossing commercial infrastructure such that the safety incidents as a result of the infrastructure malfunction could be reduced (Zhao Khattak, 2017). Additionally, the transport authorities need to investigate new warning system at the level crossing and more training for the train drivers as well as the instructors to help them to respond to crashes. Following this accident the government continues to examine, trial and implement of innovation, processes in addition to techniques which enhances the safety by means of either reduction of the cost and the provision of enhanced protection. Further the government decided to eliminate unmanned l evel crossing through various means (Salmon, Read, Stanton Lenn, 2013). It decided to eliminate all the level that are unmanned through; closing the unmanned crossing that have negligible train vehicle units, merger of the unmanned level crossing to the nearby manned gates or road under bridge. There has been a renewed interest in the safety of the rail travel in Australia Railways, following the incident of Kerang accident. There are a number of technologies which are been developed following this accident in order to improve on the safety of rail journey (Zhao Khattak, 2017). One such is the derailment detection devices which are sensors which are on board train and detect the possibility of derailment based on the movement as well as the tilt. The devices would measure and process the signals (Young, Lenn, Beanland, Salmon Stanton, 2015). With the proper integration into the braking system of the train, in case of derailment the instrument would minimize the causalities by the reducing the amount of time the derailed coach drag (Zeigler, 2016). This is aligned with the policy of the government which they have implemented to examine, trial and implementing of revolutionary technology, procedures in addition to strategies to be able to develop the safety through reduced cost and provision of improved protection. Conclusion Kerang train accident is one of the deadliest has been encountered since 1977, that occurred at Granville in Australia. This accident has been due to the safety breaches. In this research it has focused on the causes of the incident, and the changes to the policy and practices which the government has implemented to prevent a future incident from occurring. References Australia, S. W. (2014). Work-related traumatic injury fatalities, Australia 2013. ACT: Canberra. Glendon, A. I., Clarke, S., McKenna, E. (2016). Human safety and risk management. Crc Press. Haque, M. M., Chin, H. C., Debnath, A. K. (2013). Sustainable, safe, smartthree key elements of Singapores evolving transport policies. Transport Policy, 27, 20-31. Kemp, R. (2016). Quantitativerisk management and its limits. Routledge Handbook of Risk Studies, 164. Khan, F., Rathnayaka, S., Ahmed, S. (2015). Methods and models in process safety and risk management: past, present and future. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 98, 116-147. Ma, X., Guha, S., Choi, J., Anderson, C. R., Nealy, R., Withers, J., ... Dietrich, C. (2017, January). Prototypes of using directional antenna for railroad crossing safety applications. In Consumer Communications Networking Conference (CCNC), 2017 14th IEEE Annual (pp. 594-596). IEEE. Mulvihill, C. M., Salmon, P. M., Beanland, V., Lenn, M. G., Read, G. J., Walker, G. H., Stanton, N. A. (2016). Using the decision ladder to understand road user decision making at actively controlled rail level crossings. Applied ergonomics, 56, 1-10. Salmon, P. M., Lenne, M. G., Read, G., Walker, G., Stanton, N. A. (2014). Pathways to failure? Using work domain analysis to predict accidents in complex systems. Advances in Human Aspects of Transportation: Part II, 8, 258. Salmon, P. M., Read, G. J., Stanton, N. A., Lenn, M. G. (2013). The crash at Kerang: Investigating systemic and psychological factors leading to unintentional non-compliance at rail level crossings. Accident Analysis Prevention, 50, 1278-1288. Young, K. L., Lenn, M. G., Beanland, V., Salmon, P. M., Stanton, N. A. (2015). Where do novice and experienced drivers direct their attention on approach to urban rail level crossings?. Accident Analysis Prevention, 77, 1-11. Zeigler, N. M. (2016). Positive train control: safety, effectiveness, and security (Doctoral dissertation, Utica College). Zhao, S., Khattak, A. J. (2017). Injury Severity in Crashes Reported in Proximity of Rail CrossingsThe Role of Driver Inattention. Journal of Transportation Safety Security, (just-accepted).

Should Euthanasia Be Legalized in the Uk free essay sample

Active euthanasia involves the use of direct action in order to end the patient’s life whilst passive euthanasia is the withholding of medical aid in order to allow the patient to die naturally such as not performing life-extending surgery or turning off a life support system. The next distinction is between Voluntary and Involuntary euthanasia. Voluntary euthanasia involves the patient’s termination at their own request whilst involuntary euthanasia occurs when the patient is unable to ably make a decision and therefore a suitable person makes the decision for them. Indirect euthanasia involves treating the patients pain but with the side effect of death, the primary intention is often used to justify the outcome. This is often referred to as the doctrine of double effect and in reality is not considered euthanasia given that the real purpose of the treatment is pain relief and death is merely seen as the side-affect. We will write a custom essay sample on Should Euthanasia Be Legalized in the Uk? or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Finally there is assisted suicide which involves a patient incapable of committing suicide themselves asks for assistance in doing so. Euthanasia is a controversial topic that contradicts the age old moral injunction â€Å"thou shalt not kill†[2]. But similarly denying patient’s of this choice is defying medical practice cornerstones such as the patient’s autonomy and promoting their best interests. Different countries hold varying stances on Euthanasia but it is currently illegal in the UK. Most recently the case of Tony Nicklinson, a man totally paralysed by locked-in syndrome requesting euthanasia, has come to the forefront of the debate. Given the right to take his case to the high court, a win would mark a significant step towards the legalisation of euthanasia in the UK. Tony Nicklinson commented on topic via his wife stating that â€Å"it’s no longer acceptable for 21st century medicine to be governed by 20th century attitudes to death†. Both sides of the debate are strongly supported with organisations such as pro-life group â€Å"Care Not Killing† and pro-choice group â€Å"Dignity in Dying†. Advocates for Euthanasia include Lady Warnock and Margo Macdonald MSP. In 2008 Warnock controversially suggested that those living with dementia should consider uthanasia because of the strain they put on their families and medical resources. Whilst this seems extreme experts predict by 2026 there will be one million dementia sufferers in the UK costing the NHS approximately ? 35 billion annually. Margo Macdonald is an independent MSP who suffers from Parkinsons and campaigns for the legalisation of assisted suicide. She first brought her â€Å"End of Life Assistance Bill† to government in December 2010 when it was defeated but she is now again trying to have the revised version of her bill brought into effect. So far in the UK there has been no one charged for aiding suicide but cases such as that of Debbie Purdy and Dianne Pretty have brought this fact into question. In Scotland the organization Dignity in Dying continues to campaign for the changing of British Laws arguing that â€Å"The question for politicians in Britain today is why do you force your citizens, people in the most terrible circumstances who are determined to end their suffering in a way of their own choosing, to leave their country and travel to Switzerland to exercise their free will. Surveys carried out conclude that 80% of UK Citizens and 64% of General Practitioners support the legalization of Euthanasia and yet in 1997 the seventh attempt to have Euthanasia legalized in the UK was rejected by parliament. The Suicide Act 1961, updated by the Coroners and Justice act 2009, makes encouraging or assisting in a suicide a crime with a 14 year sentence. This has led to what is commonly referred to as â€Å"suicide touri sm† in which those restricted by the laws of their own country travel abroad to places where they can legally seek Euthanasia. This has become very common practice in Switzerland where the organisation â€Å"Dignitas† provide Euthanasia using trained doctors and nurses. As of 2008 a reported 100 British citizens have used Dignetas’ services. It has been argued that citizens of the UK should not have to make this final journey to Switzerland to end their lives away from the comfort of home and many feel that given it’s ongoing it may as well be legalised in the UK. Similarly opponents fear that given the legalisation of euthanasia the UK could become the new â€Å"graveyard of Europe† as is the phrase used to describe Switzerland. In England, the director of public prosecutions has indicated he is unlikely to take legal action against those who assist the suicide of friends or relatives who have a settled and informed wish to die. However, Scotland was given no similar lenience. Arguments for the legalisation of Euthanasia A clear indicator that the UK needs Euthanasia legislation is the vast support that exists for it. An impressive 88% people would support the legalisation of euthanasia in some form. [3] Many see it as what should be a choice at the end of one’s life or when faced with a futile future. If we put down animals to end their suffering it is difficult to understand why we cannot offer the same grace to our fellow human beings. It is extremely important that we give those who feel like their dignity has been taken away the ending that they want. It is also important that this choice can be offered to patients at home. The decision is difficult enough to make regardless of being forced to travel abroad to have euthanasia. Being at home would also allow the patient to die peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Loved ones are often put in very difficult situations by the illegality of euthanasia. Cases such as that of Debbie Purdy and Dianne Pretty highlight the issue of family members being prosecuted should they assist their partners in dying. Dianne, who appealed to many courts including the European Court of Human Rights to request her husband assisting her death, lost her case dying from the degenerative condition Motor Neurone disease in 2002. Debbie was more successful and gained immunity for her husband as he helped her travel to Dignitas to be given euthanasia. The UK has a duty to desperate patients to offer well-monitered euthanasia, rather than forcing them to go abroad or live in agony. A pragmatic however slightly insensitive argument for legalising Euthanasia would be the amount of medical resources it would free up. In many countries health services are limited and those with illnesses cannot be treated due to massive demand. Meanwhile treatment is being provided for those who do not want it and cannot be cured. Allowing these people euthanasia will not only satisfy their needs but also with the positive effect of increased medical care for those who need and want it. This argument is unconvincing to those morally opposed to the act of euthanasia itself regardless of how many people can be helped because of the increased medical resources. Another rejection of this argument is that euthanasia would be abused and involuntary euthanasia would take place as a quick solution for lack of medical resources. It would put pressure on the weak and vulnerable in our society into euthanasia as soon as they are terminally ill. Another argument in favour of legalizing euthanasia is since it happens anyway, it is better to make it legal so that it can be regulated appropriately. This argument is similar to that used to justify the legalisation of abortions in that it is justified by arguing that without proper facilities people will die in backstreet abortions. If passive Euthanasia is in wide use anyway surely it is better to at least regulate this process even if it is not preferable. For example DNR (Do not resuscitate) order in which a patient has requested not to be resuscitated if they stop breathing or their heart stops beating. This is in essence passive euthanasia, it is not such an extreme step to legalize euthanasia. Similarly palliative sedation often used to reduce pain but with the risk of shortening a patients life is again essentially active euthanasia. The Tony Bland case gives example of a public case of euthanasia that was not prosecuted. Tony Bland was a 17-year old seriously injured in the Hillsborough disaster in April 1989. Left in PVS until 1993 it was thought that his brain was too severely damaged for a recovery. The family and NHS trust requested to withdraw the equipment keeping him alive and the high courts agreed. Another issue that legalising euthanasia would solve would be that of the disparity between active and passive euthanasia. Whilst in medical practice passive euthanasia is widely used and active euthanasia is seen as the greater evil. However this distinction is nonsensical. Often cited is the metaphorical case of Smith and Jones in which Smith drowns his cousin disguising it as an accident in order to gain inheritance. Jones on the other hand has the same intention but discovers that his cousin has slipped and drowned himself and whilst he could easily save him he decides not to in order to gain his inheritance. The case highlights even when the outcome is the same the act is very much the same as the omission. As passive euthanasia already exists can active euthanasia not be legalised on the basis that it is morally exactly the same? From a purely pragmatic perspective it is easy to see that Euthanasia already exists in the United Kingdom, it is irresponsible to ignore something that must be regulated much like similarly controversial issues such as abortion. Furthermore it is difficult to see why there is killing is acceptable in certain situations such as self defense, but is however banned in this case. Palliative care is limited at best. There are situations and conditions that cannot be controlled. Furthermore often when people decide that they want to die, they tend to be of rational thought and will follow through their request. Even if they die comfortably in a hospice this is not what they want, their only wish was for death. Euthanasia will only be considered by those whom modern medical treatments cannot help and therefore it must be legalised regardless of any medical advancements and improved hospice conditions. For the last 10 years Oregon, USA has had legal assisted suicide. Notably Oregon has the best palliative care in the entire USA and yet 90% still seek assisted suicide from within this system. [4] This is conclusive proof that whilst palliative care may be a great option for some it is not the be all and end all and in some cases it is essential to have the option to have euthanasia legally. Another concern of anti-euthanasia activists is that euthanasia legislation will stifle investment in palliative care, but again there is evidence from Oregon that these concerns are totally unfounded. The percentage of people dying in palliative care has risen from 37% in 2002 to 52% in 2009, one of the highest rates in the USA[5]. Secular stances on euthanasia offer interesting moral arguments both in favour of and against legalising euthanasia. For Kantians euthanasia is not entirely clear issue. For Kantians it is important when creating moral guidelines that for an action to be moral it must be universalisable. Kantianism is the theory that we should stick to a set of compulsory rules and avoid letting emotions or inclinations to cloud our judgement and avoid trying to predict the outcomes of our actions. Kant argued that acting on ones emotional inclinations is to act irrationally and that consequences could only be considered if they were constantly predictable, which they aren’t. Kantianism being a deontological theory proposes that the most moral actions are those that are done out of the duty to do the right thing, and supports that an action is moral if the intention is good not the consequence. Kant believed that there are categorical imperatives i. e. actions that are either right or wrong and to do a wrong act to achieve a positive result is immoral. When it comes to Euthanasia Kantians would look for the moral action as apposed to the loving action. Kantians utilise both the universability test and the ends in them selves test in order to gauge categorical imperatives to follow. The statement â€Å"everyone should be helped to die† would not be an action that could be universally accepted and therefore fails this first essential component of a categorical imperative. However if the statement was â€Å"everyone who is terminally ill and wishes to die should be helped to die† this may be more viable. In this, there is potential confusion over this part of the categorical imperative. Similarly the ends in themselves test is equally incoherent as it could be argued that killing someone to end there pain was using them as a means to an end. On the other hand other Kantians could argue that a persons ends were best served by ending their life. Immanuel Kant himself was implicitly against any form of suicide so this would suggest Kantians must be of a similar stance but modern Kantian thinkers often disagree. Contrastingly to Kantian ethics Utilitarianism does not need a moral act to be universally acceptable. Utilitarianism is the theory generally credited to English philosopher Jeremy Bentham. Utilitarianism states that an action is right if it creates the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people. Utilitarians believe that an action is not intrinsically either right or wrong. Depending on the situation the answer as to what to do varies, but in all situations the fundamental goal is happiness. The morality of the action depends solely on the consequences, and utilitarians will try to predict the outcome and base their decision on this. Laws and general rules are disregarded by this theory. The most important factor here is that the action that creates the greatest amount of happiness and least amount of pain. This being the case Utilitarians would be in favour of voluntary euthanasia. Utilitarians use the process of Hedonic Calculus in order to determine morality. The Hedonic calculus takes into account various factors such as intensity duration, propinquity, fecundity, purity and xtent of the pleasure Clearly it is very common for the continuation of a patient’s existence is more likely to bring them and all those around them more pain than pleasure. Furthermore the resources being used to keep them alive could be better used in bringing pleasure to others. Utilitarianism combats the common criticism of Euthanasia, that no one given expert medical treatment need di e in pain, with the valid point that having autonomy and the right to choose is itself a pleasure. However there are flaws in the Utilitarian system of ethics when addressing the issue of Euthanasia. It would seem that involuntary euthanasia too could be justified by the hedonic calculus if enough people stood to gain pleasure from the termination of a patient. This is the age old issue that has faced Utilitarianism with the â€Å"tyranny of the majority† meaning that given enough people with a contrary view, an individuals happiness can become completely irrelevant. The second issue is the idea if Utilitarians were to have their way and the law was indeed altered to allow Euthanasia, there would be pressure on the vulnerable to choose the option of Euthanasia to relieve the burden that they are. This however would lead to great unhappiness. In this way there could be a contradiction as the issue of whether or not changing the law would bring about the greatest amount of happiness or not. The Libertarian view would support euthanasia on the grounds that it can be in the best interests of everyone involved without violating anyone else’s rights and is therefore morally acceptable. Those opposed that Euthanasia does not qualify as an act that is in the best interests of people involved and has no detrimental effect on society. They argue that things that are in our best interests are not always morally sound. What may appear to be in one’s best interests may be unclear and could end up having terrible consequences. It is impossible to claim that euthanasia is in any way a private act it’s repurcussions on society would be gargantuan. Arguments against the legalisation of euthanasia An argument often employed by those against euthanasia legislation is the â€Å"slippery slope† argument that says if voluntary euthanasia is permitted, involuntary euthanasia will inevitably follow. The comparison to Nazis is often drawn as they used â€Å"humane† excuses to exterminate mentally and physically disabled patients during the holocaust. This highlights to arguments against the legalisation of euthanasia. Firstly the idea that one cannot discriminate between lawful and unlawful cases of euthanasia. Secondly the idea that mercy killing will become an accepted action and will lead to unjustified killings. Another example used is that of the legalisation of abortion in 1967 which was intended only to permit in exceptional cases but spiraled into a very common occurrence. The worry is that euthanasia will follow suit and become an on demand service. The slippery slope argument is riddled with faults. Humanists would argue that the comparison with Nazism is nonsensical as it never began as voluntary euthanasia, it was always an evil act rather than an escalation. Furthermore they argue that the line between voluntary and involuntary euthanasia is clear cut and therefore easily monitored. Cases such as that of Dianne Pretty serve as evidence that in the majority of cases it is very clear that the patient is making the choice for themselves. In Peter Singer’s A Companion to Ethics Helga Kushe states that â€Å"in the Netherlands a social experiment with active voluntary euthanasia is currently in progress. As yet there is no evidence this has sent Dutch society down a slippery slope†[6]. The comparison opponents draw between euthanasia and abortion is a weak one. The former in this case is the choice of sane and sensible people about their own life whilst the latter concerns an unconscious foetus with no one to protect it. Finally humanists argue that they do not recognise the danger that legalising euthanasia would belittle other laws surrounding death, such as murder. There is a great disparity between helping someone to die at their request and killing an innocent victim. As ethicist John Harris put it â€Å"if there is a slippery slope, legislation would apply crampons rather than skis†[7]. The case of Jack Kevorkian could be used as evidence of how it would be difficult to monitor the legalisation of euthanasia and how it could descend into a darker area. Between 1990 and 1998 Dr Jack Kevorkian a doctor in Michigan USA, assisted 130 terminally ill people. In this time he was tried 4 times, the first 3 aquitted and the last one ending in mistrial. In 1999 Kevorkian was charged with second-degree murder and the delivery of a controlled substance. The case highlights certain issues that may arise if UK law was changed concerning euthanasia. Whilst each individual allegedly took the final step of suicide in all the cases there were many questionable circumstances. At least 19 of the patients died within 24 hours of first meeting Dr Kevorkian. At lease 5 had a history of depression. 17 were not referred to a pain specialist after complaining of chronic pain. He failed to get the medical records of many of his patients and it is thought that many of them did not have terminal illnesses. However proponents of Euthanasia would point to Dr Kevorkian as an exampled of why Euthanasia must be legalised so that it can be properly regulated by authorities. An ethical argument used against euthanasia is the sanctity of life argument that suggests life has an intrinsic value and euthanasia tarnishes this. Human life has an intrinsic value regardless of its quality and religious people see it as a gift from God. This argument follows Kant’s belief that humans should be treated as ends in themselves and the fact that we are humans has value in itself. This also applies to ourselves, we must treat ourselves with this same respect and should not seek the easy way to alleviate suffering. However this argument loses credibility as the sanctity of life argument is generally associated with religion and only about 15% of the population of Britain worship on a regular basis. Religious people often use the argument that euthanasia is like playing God and that it is only God’s right to decide when and how we die. This is difficult to comprehend though as by this definition all medical interventions such as surgery are â€Å"playing God† but most religious people consider this normal and are often party to it. Humanists would argue that we do not have to look to a deity to answer when and how we must die. They argue that such important issues should not invoke God and laws should never be based on claims which rely on religious faith. Some religious people see the moral distinction between active and passive euthanasia and that the latter is the only morally permissible option. However humanists believe that it is in fact the former that has a stronger case as it is quicker and therefore less painful. The general consensus amongst Christians is that life is given and taken by God as it is mentioned in Job 1:21 â€Å"God gives and God takes away† and interfering with this process goes against natural law. Christians believe that each human was made in the image of God and therefore is extremely special. This life should be preserved and protected and to propose Euthanasia for an individual is to judge that their life is not worthwhile. Making this judgement goes against Christian beliefs as they believe that only God can judge. It is widely believed in the church that the moment preceding death is one of profound spirituality and importance and to interrupt with this process would be terrible. The ten commandments in Exodus implicitly reject killing â€Å"thou shall not kill†, Euthanasia is exactly this. Objectors would point to Jesus’ use of healing, he helped the sick rather than killing them. This example that Jesus showed suggests that palliative care is a far more Christian approach to the issue of death. One fundamental belief in Christianity is that humans are made in God’s image. Because of this human life has great value as it is sharing in God’s own life. To judge a human life as not worthwhile is failing to recognise God’s creation. Specifically the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) is entirely against Euthanasia arguing any intentional act that brings about death is the same as murder. This said extreme measures do not need to be taken to keep one alive, nature and God will decide when someones time has come. Pope John Paul II said that â€Å"Euthanasia is a grave violation of the law of God†[8]. However the church does recognise that drugs administered to a patient in order to relieve them of pain may hasten their death and this is morally acceptable as the primary intention is to alleviate the patient’s suffering. This is appealing to the doctrine of double effect which stipulates that if the primary intention is moral then the consequences of that action are irrelevant. This doctrine is widely criticised, described by Elizabeth Anscombe as â€Å"a sin in disguise†. It has been compared to claiming to not be responsible for the death of a friend if one shoots a bullet to kill a mosquito perched on his throat. Similarly the church recognises that extraordinary means in order to prevent death should not always be taken. If a young person has a long life ahead of them then they may have serious surgery but a very old person with little time left may reject such treatments. However many liberal Christians would have an alternative view. At Jesus’ sermon on the mount IN Matthew Christians are taught to be loving and allowing someone to live in pain and suffering does not reflect this teaching. In Genesis 1:28 it says that humans were given dominion over all living things by God, therefore our own lives. Furthermore free will was given to humans and surely then Christians should be allowed to exercise this free will in whichever way they please. Contrastingly to the teachings of Christian leaders 80% of Anglicans and 73% of Roman Catholics are in favour of the legalisation of euthanasia[9]. The Golden Rule of Jesus is â€Å"always treat others as you would like them to treat you†(Matthew 7:12) Doctors as a result of being aware of the implications of having a terminal illness have highest suicide rate of any group. Furthermore as Dr. Michael Irwin, former Medical Director of the united nations stated publicly â€Å"Many Physicians and nurses have private arrangements that they will hasten each other’s deaths should they ever be unfortunate enough to resemble the condition of some of their patients†[10]. Legalising Euthanasia will enable doctors to follow the Golden Rule and treat others how they would like to be treated themselves. The church actually regards refusal of extreme treatment in the face of death as morally acceptable and whilst this is not strictly euthanasia it does show an understanding of the human condition in the face of death. It is feared that euthanasia as a whole devalues disabled people’s lives and suggests that their lives are not worth living. By downgrading their lives while they’re alive we risk encouraging euthanasia. This is a very dangerous mentality to foster as many disabled people enjoy their lives regardless of any difficulties they may have. Those opposed to euthanasia often argue that misguided people could be led into euthanasia when in reality it is against their best interests. If the diagnosis of the illness is wrong and it is either not terminal or not as aggressive as claimed a patient could have priceless time taken away from them. In reality euthanasia does not devalue human life or the life of the particular patient, it is in reality having immense respect for their final wish of not wanting to endure their remaining time on earth. One medical issue that UK doctors would encounter should euthanasia be legalised would be the fact that it violates the very basis of medical ethics, which in the words of the International Code of Medical Ethics is â€Å"A doctor must always bear in mind the obligation of preserving human life from conception†[11]. It is thought that requesting doctors to compromise this promise would irreversibly fracture doctor patient relations. Doctors could become disillusioned by the increase in deaths and lack compassion dealing with elderly, disabled and terminally ill patients. Furthermore patients would become distrustful of health professionals believing that their doctors would rather have them terminated than have to look after them. Evidence counts against this concern as when 9 European countries were surveyed to discover which peoples invested most trust in their doctors it was the Netherlands that came out on top. Discussion of euthanasia in countries where euthanasia is legal is open, transparent, honest and mature. Palliative care is seen as the most obvious route for those opposed to euthanasia to seek painless deaths for patients with a terminal diagnosis. It is argued that the UK government should achive top level palliative care for the entire country before assisted suicide is even considered. Sometimes calls for euthanasia are in reality a veiled plea for help and should be addressed by palliative care specialists rather than assistance in this request. However must palliative care and assisted suicide be in conflict? There is a small group for whom palliative care is ineffective and should be given the final choice of euthanasia. Funding and improvement would continue in palliative care regardless of the certain choice some may take to die. Both options are driven predominantly by the respect for a patients autonomy and having compassion. Opponents to Euthanasia argue that it puts those most vulnerable in our society, the elderly, disabled and terminally ill in a terrible position where they would be made to feel like a burden. As population grows in the coming years inevitably there will be a greater demand on the health services and it will be these people who are targeted and pressured to have themselves terminated for the greater good. There is also the fear that family members of a patient with selfish intentions may coerce them into euthanasia in order to gain inheritance. Now disability groups such as â€Å"Not Dead Yet UK† (NDYUK) has fought back calls for legalised euthanasia calling upon MPs to sign the â€Å"Resistance Charter 2010† declaring that they are in support of palliative care and independent living services and maintain legal protecting for the terminally ill and disabled. However all these concerns have been considered thoroughly and comprehensively by the many bodies attempting to legalise voluntary euthanasia in the UK including Dignity in Dying, EXIT and various other organisations. There would be extensive guidelines and checks ensuring that the patient in question is fully sure of their decision and is of sound mind. In reality the legalisation of euthanasia would lead to far less assisted suicide as it becomes an open and easily discussible subject. In Holland where assisted suicide is legal, rates of non-voluntary euthanasia fell from 0. 8% (1000) of all deaths to 0. 4% (550) of all deaths in 2005. Conclusion As it stands the law in the UK is ambiguous when it comes to Euthanasia and there is a glaring lack of clarity. The Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer, recently stated that intentions will be taken into consideration when euthanasia takes place. If the motivation for the act is compassion and it is not in the public’s interest to prosecute those who commit voluntary euthanasia may go unpunished. In any case, the laws should be updated and clarified in order to eradicate any confusion over the matter. I believe that voluntary euthanasia should be legalised in the UK. Having volunteered in a top hospice for 2 years I witnessed first hand those with terminal illnesses. The level of care in such places is outstanding and very few people are unhappy there. However there is no substitute for death when that is what a patient wishes for. No drug or expert care can diminish the feelings of one who knows that they want to die. I feel that if laws were to be passed on euthanasia then they would be aptly scrutinised in order to ensure that no injustice was done. Whilst opponents to legislation believe that legalising euthanasia is legalising murder, this point holds little water as those who break the guidelines of voluntary euthanasia will be dealt with just as any other criminal would. The vast support for euthanasia cannot be ignored but neither can the concerns of those against it. There are objections for a variety of reasons religious, moral and pragmatic. However I feel evidence from other states whom have legalised voluntary euthanasia or assisted suicide is sufficient in showing that in reality palliative care would continue to improve, disabled people will still be cared for, the doctor patient relationship would only strengthen, and much of religious teachings fit with the caring nature of voluntary euthanasia.