Colleges and trusts are blocking humanitarian service

EDITOR,--I was pleased to read of the Princess Royal's support for the release of medical staff from health authorities and trusts for voluntary work overseas.1 The princess is quoted as saying: “People returning [from working overseas] report negative attitudes and a lack of interest. Working in other countries appears to give a negative signal to employers.” This has been the experience of the British Red Cross Society.

There are two main difficulties. Firstly, as …