King Edward VII Memorial Hospital- The Influence Of Lawyers And Insurers On Medical Practice.

Email Of March 12, 2005-

To: jonathan.brewin@bermudahospitals.bm
CC: judy.richardson@bermudahospitals.bm
Subject: Re: xxx/Apology For Negligence

Dear Jonathan,

Although I've been liaising with Judy Richardson regarding my long
awaited Apology For Negligence, seeing as how this matter seems to be
becoming a rather drawn out affair, I thought I should remind you about
it. I must admit that given how long this process seems to be taking, I
am trying quite hard to avoid taking the view that the powers that
be in the hospital are just taking their time hoping that I will go
away. This latter is simply not going to happen so I would respectfully
suggest that everybody get on with it. I will also take this
opportunity to remind you of what I consider to be a few key points:

1. It would be outrageous to suggest that anything other than
negligence occurred and in fairness nobody in KEMH has pretended
otherwise. However, the very fact that I am even having to ask
for an apology suggests to me that at KEMH, there is a culture of
expediency rather than principle- and of course the patient
suffers as a result.
2. It is this culture and ethos that has me particularly perturbed.
I sense a distinct lack of willingness to take responsibility. I
do not see the welfare of the patient coming first and foremost
until openness, forthrightness and complete honesty prevail. These
things start at the top of any organisation, not in the basement,
as I am sure you are aware. I believe that not only am I due an
apology, the very act of giving it will actually help to make KEMH
a better place, starting from the top down.
3. It has never been my intention to seek a legal remedy to this
situation as it would probably only contribute to continuing what
I perceive to be the existing culture and realities at KEMH. If
the BHB, their lawyers and their insurers are unable to grasp
this, my conclusion is that they are the fundamental problem
within KEMH.
4. As a member of this community who has the resources, credibility,
and of course good reason to help address and correct matters, it
would be wrong for me to let this matter go. I think it would be
in everybody's best interest (including the public's) that we work
together, but I would be remiss not to mention that I believe I
have the integrity and ability to get results in other ways. So
far I have not taken offence that an apology has not been
forthcoming but it would be a mistake to misuse my patience and
goodwill.
5. The longer this matter continues, the more serious it will become-
I assure you the only way it can be resolved is through complete
transparency and honesty, starting with an apology.

Sincerely,
xxx


Authors Note: As of May 27, 2005- no apology has been forthcoming. I have been told off the record by "powers that be" in King Edward and the Bermuda Hospitals Board that they have been informed by their insurer (handled by Kitsons, I am informed by these same sources) and by their lawyers (Alan Doughty at Trott & Duncan) that if an apology is issued, King Edward Memorial Hospital's insurance will be cancelled.