Vol. 20 no. 1 - January 2012

Although the medical profession offers a stimulating, prestigious and potentially financially rewarding career, no-one is immune to the pressures of being the subject of a complaint or from making an error.

In New Zealand, of course, MPS’s experience of complaints against our members is relatively benign, especially when contrasted with experiences in our other territories, such as South Africa, the UK and Ireland.

Health workers in New Zealand can be held to account in a number of ways, which, although less likely to see them in court than our members in other jurisdictions, is still very stressful and can be extremely time consuming.

We feel that Casebook plays a useful part in helping members consider issues that may help them avoid problems. Our collection of case reports provide an opportunity for reflective learning and offer support and guidance if you do become the subject of a complaint.

This is illustrated by the case reports "Right patient – wrong sample" and "More than a bruise". Both cases depict clinical negligence claims received by doctors, which although they would be resolved differently in New Zealand, demonstrate how they were successfully defended by evidence that was made available of good practice by the doctors involved.

I do hope that you find Casebook, and the other range of medicolegal publications that MPS produces, to continue to provide effective guidance and advice, whenever you may need it. Please get in touch with any comments or suggestions; it is really helpful to receive your feedback.

Dr Stephanie Bown
Editor-in-chief
MPS Director of Policy and Communications

Disclaimer: All information in this issue is correct at time of publishing (January 2012)