[lettie]

There is nothing worse than having to attend an inquest and answer questions, even when the fault is not yours. We have many systems in place for reporting bad practice, risk management, clinical governance and dealing with the incompetent within the NHS. The trouble that I find is that if a doctor consistently performs badly they are very difficult to report and you feel as if the senior medical staff do not take you seriously. There have been so many reports up and down the country lately that the GMC are looking into some sort of medical supervision similar to the supervision system which midwives have had for donkey's years. They are also looking at a similar system for nurses, as they are not subject to formal supervision either.

The midwifery supervision system provides support for midwives and patients. All midwives are allocated a supervisor of midwives and they must meet at least once a year to discuss various issues. The supervisor provides support to midwives who wish to complain about bad practice, she provides information on legal and training issues and makes sure that the midwives within her remit are up to date on current issues. Every 12 months midwives have a legal duty to notify their intention to practice to the local supervising authority. If the midwife fails to do this, or does not meet the criteria to notify, she is no longer able to work as a midwife. A supervisor of midwives can ask to see any examples of documented paperwork, proof of learning and current NMC membership documentation of any midwife within her remit.

Oh yes, we are accountable in the NHS, not only are we accountable to the patients, colleagues, professional bodies and the law of the land but we also get sued for screw ups.

I wonder if anyone would take out a case against the government, should one of their family members be murdered or raped by one of these criminals who should have been deported...