SA doctors victimised in a ‘public drama’ for perceived medical errors:

South African doctors are “far too often” victimised for perceived medical errors in a publicly played out drama, says Prof Gert Saayman, former head of Forensic Education at the University of Pretoria.

The author and co-author of some 50 peer-reviewed global publications in forensic medicine and science, Saayman was a SAPS, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and Department of Justice adviser and has served as an expert witness in scores of high-profile cases.

Saayman said there often was “no clear evidence” that there was an error, with the “drama playing out in the public arena”, forcing colleagues into acting hesitantly or simply not engaging for fear of chastisement, censure or prosecution, writes Chris Bateman in Daily Maverick. Saayman – veteran of some 20,000 death investigations and post-mortems –was speaking at a webinar organised the Medical Protection Society (MPS), which provides legal indemnity cover for doctors in several countries, including South Africa.

1):Five tips for reporting on medical negligence – without getting into legal trouble yourself

By Joan van Dyk, Dylan Bush, Kalay Nair & Aisha Abdool Karim - December 11, 2020

https://www.facebook.com/groups/92643598408/permalink/10158151409938409/

2): Webinar 26/11/2020
Media Covering Medical Malpractice in an ethical manner:
Dr Rinesh Chetty, a specialist orthopaedic surgeon from Durban. He will give an input on the concerns of the medical professions on how cases of alleged medical negligence are reported in the media, which could have a devastating impact on the reputations of medical practitioners.
Dr Kgosi Letlape, outgoing president of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
Okyerebea Ampofo-Anti, a specialist media law attorney.
Dr George Claassen, Public Editor/Internal Ombud of News24 and Media24.
Prof Daynia Ballot
https://youtu.be/z-XKz7BKQRk

https://www.facebook.com/groups/92643598408/permalink/10158118427338409/