He may be out of pocket and he may think the referral practice is ridiculous, but it is the law. No doctor, of course, should ever request such a thing from a colleague.
Certain notifications are required by law to be made in relation to infectious disease and venereal disease. The doctor is bound to comply with these laws.
There are laws relating to the issuing of death certificates. There are laws relating to the registration of doctors.
A doctor is expected to carry out his practice using due care and skill. If he does so and his patient fails to get better or has a reaction to the treatment employed, then the doctor is protected by the law.
Should a mishap occur and the doctor not use due care and skill, then the patient is protected by the law, and may bring a case for damages against the doctor.
Fortunately in this country, the whole legal system, the judges, the juries and the solicitors and barristers offering advice, appear to use good sense and reason.
*479/71/1*
