Since the February release of the Francis Report into the goings on at Mid Staffordshire,1 there has been a steady stream of speeches, statements, and statistics as the fall out from Francis continues unabated.

The quality of the media coverage has varied from the (almost hysterical) mewlings of some outlets to the more considered and balanced ones of others. Some of the best reporting has been delivered by BBC Radio 4 and non-mainstream publications such as Private Eye, the latter a long term campaigner on safety, risk, cover ups and whistle blowers in Health. The reporting falls in one of two categories; the first attributing blame and seeking retribution, the second asking ‘what next?’

In the former category we have heard calls for sackings, litigation and compensation payments; for clinical staff there have been also calls for review of their registration by their registration boards such as the General Medical Council. The most senior employee …