About me
I had a career as a passionately committed family doctor during which I saw the changes wrought by information technology and managerialism in the British National Health Service at first hand.
An early adopter of IT I saw the danger that computers and modern management techniques might be used to reduce the richness and humanity of life rather than to enhance it. These concerns were expressed in my book, The Paradox of Progress, which was received with great enthusiasm by people working in every walk of life. It is now out of print but is available for download HERE
Following the publication of this book I became a prolific columnist and commentator in medical journals, a role which I have continued and expanded since retirement from medical practice. I studied for an Open University degree in Humanities with Literature, graduating with first class honours. My second book, Friends in Low Places, explored the hidden differences in perspective between people working on the front line of life and those working in ‘high places’. I was exploring the reasons why the validity of the former view is much less obviously apparent.
A founder member of the Doctors and Overpopulation Group in the early 1970s I have been concerned about environmental issues throughout my life. A column written in 2005 on the subject of the organised denial of man-made Global Warming resulted in me being asked to address meetings and write on this unpleasant but all-important subject.
My website, contains details of the books and the text of several of my lectures. I am currently moving some of this material onto this site so that it is more accessible.
Generally Speaking 
Hi James, long time since we communicated. Had the pleasure of hearing Dr Phil Hammond speak at the weekend. Very, very funny and entertaining – and his content on passion for and compassion within the NHS put me in mind of your anti-managerialism line in Paradox of Progress and in Scylla and Charybdis. I’m guessing you must know his work. Ian
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Sure do. He is brilliant. Humour is such a good way to say important things. Really lovely to hear from you again.
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I enjoyed your talk about Jane Bown last week and wondered whether you were aware of a documentary about Jane to be broadcast 6.15pm on Sky Arts Saturday 31st October. I do not subscribe to Sky but somebody must.
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Thank you very much for the tip. I didn’t know. And we do have a friend who has Sky. You weren’t the man who had a photo of his mother taken by JB at Art College were you?
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James
Father Tim Buckley you may recall was head of Redemptorist Publications and now at their base in Woolton, Liverpool.
He called by today 7 February whilst staying in Chawton with colleagues.
His mobile number is 07951 751292 and i know he would appreciate a call from you.
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Thank you, Tim. Lesley and I called at the monastery in Liverpool last summer and saw him, Michael McGreevy and Mike Hennessy.
We will make a point to ring him.
Best wishes, James
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