§ Mr. Colin Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what discussions he has had with the Medical Defence Union concerning the conduct of inquiries by area health authorities into instances of clinical mishap as exemplified by the Woodhouse case and under the guidelines of circular HM(66)15.
§ Dr. VaughanI met representatives of the medical defence societies on 14 January. I received welcome assurances about the co-operation of doctors in health authorities' fact-finding enquiries, and I am following these up in a written exchange. I am also initiating a review of departmental guidance on such enquiries.
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