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NEWS: Clare Dyer Internal inquiry clears surgeon BMJ 1998; 317: 367a [Full text]

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In the public interest?

Joseph E Arrowsmith   (10 August 1998)

In the public interest? 10 August 1998
Joseph E Arrowsmith, Visiting Associate in Anesthesiology Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA Send response to journal: Re: In the public interest?	Dear Sir, As reported in the BMJ (Aug 8), a local enquiry has now cleared Derriford Hospital's thoracic surgeon of any misconduct. During a recent visit to the Hospital I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mr Rahamim and heard first hand of the effects of allegations made against him. The copies of newspaper articles, internal memoranda and numerous testimonials pinned to noticeboards around the hospital leave the visitor in no doubt that Mr Rahamim has the admiration and support of the Hospital Board, his colleagues and, most importantly, his patients. There appear to be no doubts about his clinical ability locally. Assuming that an independent enquiry reaches the same conclusion as that conducted locally, what will be the long term consequences? In the wake of the Bristol case and after the uncomfortable experience of being senselessly placed in the media spotlight, how can any surgeon practice with the same degree of confidence? For how long will a surgeon in this situation be reluctant to take on difficult or 'high-risk' cases for fear of further criticism? Ultimately the quality of patient care may suffer. Is the style of investigative journalism exhibited in this case really in the public interest? I think not!