Madam, – Given the Medical Council’s recent kidney ruling (Front page, September 4th), it would seem that hospital consultants are normally under no obligation to review X-rays prior to undertaking surgery or to ensure that other doctors are prepared and trained before delegating work to them. And I used to think that superbugs were the biggest danger I faced in hospital! It is surely time to put an end to self-regulation by the medical profession. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – The past week has seen yet another debacle occur at the hands of the so-called “Medical Council” (Front page, September 4th).
One of our top paediatric surgeons – respected, renowned and, honoured around the world and his trainee/colleague have been held out to public humiliation – and for what benefit? May I first express my sympathies to the young boy and his family? I wish in no way to detract from the blight and wrong that they have suffered, however I doubt events leading up to and surrounding the public Medical Council – Fitness to Practice Inquiry this week did anything to further help this boy, his family or indeed medically protect or benefit the public.
There is no doubt that a serious error was made, a mistake occurred and this young boy and his family, instead of receiving the intended benefit from surgery, have unfortunately instead been damaged by it.
It is clear, however, that Prof Martin Corbally immediately tried to use his expertise to remedy the situation, consulted with senior colleagues as to this remedy, acknowledged the failure of this remedial surgery, informed the child’s parents of the error, assumed full responsibility and apologised and expressed complete remorse.
Subsequent independent inquiry not only identified the “human error” admitted to, but also identified significant system errors which were significant contributing factors, both within Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin and the rest of the HSE hospital system, throughout the country.
So why is it that the Medical Council, which is completely controlled by the same political entity that claims to be in control and command of the HSE, decided further gain was to be made from public humiliation and destruction of two expert, kind, professional and caring doctors – rather than face the more difficult task of ensuring adequate systems are in place such that, if at all possible, a similar event never happens again?
I just hope Prof Corbally and Mr Sri Paran can find the personal strength and resolve to continue to practise, with care and confidence despite the trauma they have been subjected to. Having experienced the stress, trauma and public humiliation of this process first- hand (also for no potential medical public benefit) I know how lonely and difficult it can be.
It is a sad reflection that the Medical Council appears no longer fit or capable of achieving its purpose and supporting doctors to achieve the aims to which it would have us aspire. Of course, had Prof Corbally deliberately been derelict in his duties and been in any other “profession” of the “higher civil service” he would by now presumably have received his golden handshake, his pension top-up and be awaiting nomination to the Seanad or some semi-State board. – Yours, etc,