At 14:01 on 15/8/96, [log in to unmask] wrote:
> There seems to be a bit more over-reaction going on.
>
> The hypothetical case suggested as a conundrum was posted before the murder
> Mr Gross referred to.
>
> There has never been an absolute control on what is reported, exported or
> used from these discussions, nor can there be. Signing a code of
> connection wouldn't secure this, and nothing you tell to more than three
> peple stays secret anyway.
>
> All groupings of people evolve manners and rules, these are broken from
> time to time, and the breakers suffer (sometimes) if the rules have been
> made into laws, but more usually the suffereing is born throughout the
> society by an opportunity cost inflicted by the misbehaver.
>
> Kill lists on mail readers are a great boon.
>
> Almost at the same time as I took the lawyers to task for not achieving
> anything against a worthy target - tobacco companies - the papers reported
> just such a success. I suggest that all those in GP-UK apply Mr Gross's
> suggestion of writing to the Legal Aid board at Grays Inn Road london
> urging them to reconsider their decision not to aid actions against tobacco
> firms.
>
> Doctors are in fact very aware of confidentiality and it has been one of
> the heavily discussed areas on this forum. There are no simplistic
> solutions, and GPs particularly are used to weighing the patients' needs
> and what their opinion would likely be (based on our knowledge of them)
> rather than invariably stone-walling.
>
> I would suggest to lawyers, indeed, that protection of the lawyer - client
> relationship by absolute privilege is less obviously beneficial to society
> than would be the same privilege for doctor - patient relationships, and
> has more likelihood of producing harm through secrets which could prevent
> such harm if broadcast remaining secret, than does the concealment of
> disease. However, society has elected to maintain secrets, and to breach
> confidence in different circumstances, and to accept the consequences so as
> to obtain the benefits.
>
This is a very wise response and worthy closing of the discussion.
You must be very old because of such wisdom expressed in your views.
(I'm deadly serious)
GREETINGS
Gerard Freriks,huisarts, MD
C. Sterrenburgstr 54
3151JG Hoek van Holland
the Netherlands (31) 174-384296/ Fax: -386249
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