BMJ  2006;332:1274-1275 (27 May), doi:10.1136/bmj.332.7552.1274-b

Letter

Dame Janet's disappointments

Shipman case is a stick to beat the medical profession with

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

EDITOR—The Shipman case is hardly relevant to the regulation of the medical profession since it is the job of the police to detect murder.¹ It has been chosen, however, as a convenient stick with which to beat us. After all, the DVLA was not restructured when the "Yorkshire Ripper" was found to be a lorry driver, although his occupation allowed him to travel around the country murdering women.

The tone of Dame Janet Smith's opening remark furthers the damage to the profession; why should patients not have faith in doctors? It is valuable to them when being treated, especially as the doctor is often part of the treatment. It is also helpful to the doctor since to present the patient with a clear and balanced account of every factor considered in the choice of treatment is usually impractical. When revalidation is finally implemented, I expect very few patients . . . [Full text of this article]

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Hill House, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0EL freshwater@zetnet.co.uk

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