Medical Ethics

Question 1

What are the key features of the The Bristol Royal Infirmary Crisis?

Answer 1

• 1990s
• Caused us to switch from ‘doctor knows best’ to
  multidisciplinary teams
• 35 babies died, 170 could have been saved, 170 babies hearts kept
  without consent

Led to the Sir Ian Kennedy Enquiry:

• staff shortages
• lack of leadership
• simply ‘not up to task’
• old boy’s culture
• lax approach to safety
• secrecy

Question 2

What are the key features of the The Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Crisis?

Answer 2

• 1988 - 1995
• 850 infants
• > 2000 pots found containing infants body parts without
  consent
• > 1000 unidentifiable babies - funerals every Thursday for
  months after

Led to the HUMAN TISSUES ACT 2004:

• can not remove/store/use tissues without consent
• DNA ‘theft’
• organ trafficking
• storing tissue/organs without consent for a purpose not stated

Question 3

What are the key points of the Harold Shipman murders?

Answer 3

• 1975 - 1998
• serial killer and doctor
• ruined impression of doctors from public
• 250 victims, 15 prosecuted cases

Question 4

What was the Mid-Staffs crisis?

Answer 4

• 2000s
• 3000 needless deaths
• Francis Enquiry - duty of Candour = ‘whistle blowing’, speaking out
  safely
• we can’t care for others unless we are cared for

LED TO CARE AND COMPASSION IN PRACTISE TO BE INCLUDED IN THE NHS CONSTITUTION

Question 5

What are the 4 C’s?

Answer 5

• consent
• capacity (Mental Capacity Act)
• confidentiality
• conscientious objection (as a healthcare professional)