Good morning. We have new Health Policy Today from Tom Smith (www.healthpolicyinsight.com/?q=node/248), and I hope to write a longer instalment later today, but for now, a brief message.

Please cross your fingers (or whatever you do to bring good luck and success) today for Professor Martin Elliott of Great Ormond Street Hospital and for Ben Bowman and family.

I learned last week from Ben’s grandmother (who cuts my hair, brilliantly) that he faces major tracheal and open heart surgery today. Ben’s mother has written about the story here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7832724.stm