At 11:15 29/08/1996 GMT, Al H wrote:
>There seems to be a perception in the publics' mind that doctors find
>it difficult to admit mistakes and say"sorry". They seem to feel
>that we "close ranks" and erect "walls of silence". Some even think
>that, on occasions, records seem to mysteriously vanish. I have
>been told that, from the publics' point of view, all they want is
>an aknowledgement of the mistake and, perhaps, in appropriate
>cases, re-training for the doctor(s) involved.
>
>What do honourable members think?
I'm only to happy to tell patients of my "shortcomings". It drastically
reduces their expectations... pause ... of me. The hope is that they will
stop feeling they need to see me for coughs, colds, minor sprains, etc, or,
go and see someone else :-(
As for "mistakes". Surely admitting liabilty is the quickest way to a lawsuit.
And after all, I don't know of any lawyer who has apologised to me and said
sorry for their mistakes. [Am about to complain to the Law Society about one
if he doesn't pay my bill :-) :-) :-) ]
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Dr David J Plews
email: [log in to unmask]
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