Letter: Checks on locums
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Checks on locums
Sir: When women call us to complain about obstetric care, one of the first questions we ask is: "Was the doctor a locum?" ("NHS fails to check locums", 21 April).
In August 1997 the NHS executive produced a code of practice for employment of locums, after a series of scandals. It was too little too late. Consumers wanted locums to carry a log book of all their past jobs; the code only requires them to give details of their most recent employer.
We still receive complaints of incompetent and ill-advised forceps and vacuum deliveries and other interventions. The women are left badly traumatised. Their partners are devastated by guilt because they feel they should have prevented what happened, although it was impossible for them to do so.
Higher qualifications in obstetrics are no guarantee that obstetricians have reasonable judgement, or that they have respectful attitudes to women.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments