Alternative models of organisation are needed.

Anyone considering a fundamental rethink of the role of consultants risks exposing tensions in the medical profession that have characterised the development of medical practice since the 18th century. That tense story was one of beds and money, power and domination. Rethinking the role of consultants must now take into account the relationship between consultants and their specialist colleagues and general practitioners; examine the distribution of work between consultants and junior doctors; and relate the contribution of the consultant as specialist to that of other health professionals. After half a century of a national health service characterised by equity of access to care, we urgently need to debate the roles of those who work in it and in doing so to focus primarily on the needs of patients.     

Ibuprofen 400 mg is effective in women, and women are well represented in trials

Background  

A recent article in the New Scientist argued that women were under-represented in clinical trials which, until now, had masked the finding that ibuprofen 400 mg was ineffective in women.