In common with Dr Yazbak, I have no intention of dissecting Brian
Deer's article in this rapid response.
Instead I too wish to state the grateful thanks of all my family members
to those two wonderful Royal Free clinicians, Professors Walker Smith and
Murch. They were kind compassionate and very professional, and my
Grandson's condition and behaviour improved greatly as a result of their
diagnosis and care. My daughter was fully informed and consulted at every
stage, including all diagnostic procedures.
My Grandson was properly referred to the Royal Free by his GP and his
treatment was paid for by the NHS, which is 'free at the point of use' in
the UK. He is still autistic and is still receiving NHS treatment for his
bowel problems.
These two outstanding clinicians did not deserve the vilification,
which has been their reward for doing their jobs properly and
conscientiously, always putting their patients first. I was standing
outside the GMC premises in July 2010 when the verdicts were announced. My
delight at the total exoneration of Professor Simon Murch was tempered by
my anger about Professor Walker Smith and Dr Wakefield both being 'struck
off' the Medical Register.
My placard said 'Travesty of Justice'.
Competing interests:
My autistic Grandson was treated for his bowel disorder at the Royal Free Hospital by Professors Walker Smith and Murch. (NOT one of the Lancet 12)
Rapid Response:
Re:What happened to the BMJ?
In common with Dr Yazbak, I have no intention of dissecting Brian
Deer's article in this rapid response.
Instead I too wish to state the grateful thanks of all my family members
to those two wonderful Royal Free clinicians, Professors Walker Smith and
Murch. They were kind compassionate and very professional, and my
Grandson's condition and behaviour improved greatly as a result of their
diagnosis and care. My daughter was fully informed and consulted at every
stage, including all diagnostic procedures.
My Grandson was properly referred to the Royal Free by his GP and his
treatment was paid for by the NHS, which is 'free at the point of use' in
the UK. He is still autistic and is still receiving NHS treatment for his
bowel problems.
These two outstanding clinicians did not deserve the vilification,
which has been their reward for doing their jobs properly and
conscientiously, always putting their patients first. I was standing
outside the GMC premises in July 2010 when the verdicts were announced. My
delight at the total exoneration of Professor Simon Murch was tempered by
my anger about Professor Walker Smith and Dr Wakefield both being 'struck
off' the Medical Register.
My placard said 'Travesty of Justice'.
Competing interests: My autistic Grandson was treated for his bowel disorder at the Royal Free Hospital by Professors Walker Smith and Murch. (NOT one of the Lancet 12)