'He seemed unperturbed ... caught up in his own cleverness at labelling a rare syndrome.' (experiences of having a child diagnosed with Williams Syndrome)

Article Abstract:

A mother tells of the emotions she experienced when her daughter was diagnosed as having Williams Syndrome, a congenital disability which retards development, at the age of three. The consultant seemed to be completely oblivious to the mother's feelings, and was merely pleased with himself for having identified a rare syndrome. The mother felt that her world had fallen apart, and was very concerned about having to tell members of her family about the diagnosis. She has actually received a great deal of support, and now recognizes that her daughter has very special qualities.

Diagnosis, Birth defects, Williams syndrome

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Routine operations brought tragic results

Article Abstract:

There is concern about whether the General Medical Council, which oversees the activities of doctors in the UK, is the best organization to investigate the very high levels of mortality among children undergoing heart surgery at Bristol Royal Infirmary in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The hospital now has very high success rates for pediatric heart surgery, but during the late 1980s and early 1990s a considerable number of children died or suffered brain damage. There are now 21 families involved in law suits against the United Bristol Healthcare Trust.

Hospitals, Children, Surgery, Heart, Bristol, England, Pediatric surgery, Heart surgery

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Tragic case that proves need for checks on competence

Article Abstract:

The case of the three surgeons at Bristol Royal Infirmary who were found guilty by the UK General Medical Council (GMC) of failing to respond to high death rates in babies undergoing heart surgery highlights the problems with ensuring that doctors are competent. It indicates that the GMC is not set up to deal with institutional failure, as opposed to the failure of individual doctors. It also shows that the GMC cannot undertake an in-depth inquiry, assessing all the available evidence.

Standards, Management, Physicians, Medical professions, General Medical Council

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