Is this the right way?

Six of us caught the Sunday evening train from Manchester to Euston, the hordes from the north eager to enjoy the delights of London at the General Medical Council's expense. Train tickets, hotel in the west end, expenses—definitely better than working. We all looked forward to three exciting days in London away from the drudgery of home life.

As we had been asked to help why did we feel like the accused?

We were required to attend as witnesses to the GMC, which was investigating an incident concerning an ex-colleague. This had occurred 18 months previously, and at the time it had been fully investigated by the trust and the doctor had been dismissed. A full appeal held by the trust confirmed the decision, and it was thought that the GMC should be informed; hence the present inquiry. Originally, 15 people were scheduled to attend, but this had been whittled down to the essential six.

As we …