Something happened just this morning that set my analytical brain off - it is just the way my brain works. For example whenever I think about Lean Processing - the principle of more for less - I inevitably think about and contrast how MacDonald's used to operate compared to now. So, take a seat and let me take a minute or two to explain.

Our smaller son, now two, was ill about 3 weeks ago but we have as yet to return him to his nursery due to continual cases of RSV. Our little one, born with (albeit manageable) health issues is particularly vulnerable and infections do carry a wider risk and his chances of being hospitalised in such circumstances are higher than most. However, we have to balance risk over his social development, which is a key reason for sending him to the nursery in the first place - as well as to give us some respite. It might be possible that Mama_Rah is being a little over protective.

Let's just take a moment to have a quick look at RSV - something I had never heard of before having children.

RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) is a very common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. It is highly contagious and asymptomatic for the first day or two and can remain contagious for up to four weeks. Nearly all children get RSV by the time they are two and for most, it feels like a cold — but for some infants and young children, it can become dangerous.  At worst it can lead to the development of bronchiolitis (inflammation of small airways) and pneumonia with reduced oxygenation making it harder for the body to cope. This may lead to hospitalisation, and sometimes require supplementary oxygen or ventilation. Globally, RSV causes over 3.6 million hospitalisations and about 100,000 deaths in children under 5 each year with infants under 6 months being at the highest risk.

There is currently no cure, although some medications can help, so the virus needs to run its course.

So after a prolonged period of absence the little one was due to go back today, but Mama_Rah read on a parents' group that there have been another two confirmed cases overnight in his group. Mama_Rah had to go into the nursery anyway to see the Director about something and she saw one of the nannies who our little one has a particular bond with. She too was excited and thought at first our little one was coming back, but when Mama_Rah mentioned the new cases and her caution she was surprised and exclaimed - "Why aren't we informed? Why don't parents let us know?"

And do you know what - her point is perfectly valid.

When Mama_Rah told me my analytical brain kicked in and this is a perfect example of the weakness of decentralisation (not that I am against it - it of course has its advantages too). What has evolved is that there are two systems, with little connectivity operating side by side; namely the organisational infrastructure of the nursery and parents' group. Both have genuine reasons for their existence and it is not a case of one being better than the other ro one supplanting the other.

What it consequently means is that there is a limitation in the flow of any data / information which is needed by multiple elements and while decentralisation means less constraints, more initiative and the resulting outcome of less control this can sometimes be the key weakness in a system. Parents are sharing what is going on with each other, but not necessarily with the nursery and this exposes a failure in the system.

Centralisation means control and in some cases that is not necessarily a bad thing. One thing we are observing increasingly in the crypto-verse is more and more regulation, whether it be the MiCA or SEC model and while this does not necessarily spell the end of decentralisation it is a step towards bringing things under a common umbrella / framework. It is not my purpose to discuss today whether this is a good or bad move.

Of course in this specific case the simple solution would be to add at least one of the nannies to the parents' group. I would think having a nominated parent to inform the nursery would not work as there would need to be some formality to the role.

As always stay safe and well my friends.