What the doctor really thinks

The Department of Health (DH) has launched a nw initiative to allow patients to see letters about them, sent from one doctor too another. One patient - involved in a trial of this project - wrote: "Thank you for the copy of the letter. it made it seem as if I was more involved with mycare, without trying to remember all that was said at the hospitsal appointment - it would have been very difficult as I was very nervous."

A number of pilot projects are still underway and guidelines for healht authorities shouls be published larter this year. Full implementation of the policy - when we can all expect to see copies of relevant letters - is expected by April 2004. For more information, visit the web site www.doh.gov.uk/patientletters