I probably sound like a broken record but this whole issue really angers me. I have lived and grown up in 10 countries and bad doctor tails are fairly common. I do not believe lawsuits help the medical profession because doctors always looking over their shoulders are not going to be any good. How can doctors develop close relationships with patients if they are worried about possible consequences. The most important skill of a doctor is listening. Diagnosis follows that. We do not tolerate policemen covering for their fellow officers today. The General Medical Councils are the problem because doctors are rarely brought to book. I do not beleive doctors should be struck off for a mistake but they should be made to do some retraining or something. However, there are bad doctors and they need to be flushed out and suspended. Bad policemen, teachers, lawyers....... are weeded out why should doctors be any different. The UK has a major crisis of confidence with the medical profession at the moment and I am sure we are not unique. Blatant symptoms like those you have all descirbed should not be missed. Worried parents should never be ignored because they know their children. It is the doctors job to listen and ask the right questions. I wonder if developing communication skills is a major part of medical training. Knowledge is useless without communication. Sorry about the rant. Shaun P.