At present I am researching the medical profession. In general, this profession is deeply respected and held in considerable awe. My view is somewhat different. I see them, amongst other positive qualities, as an elite group who have and are, like all elite groups, controlling perceptions. Any group with a special position in society does so and for good and bad reasons.

The reader should have a look at the NHS websites. Recent scandals and failures will not be found there nor any critique of the services offered. What the sites convey is a Disney world where nothing goes wrong, staff are almost-perfect and where everyone smiles.

Doctors have enormous power in our society. Annoy a few, and you will discover exactly how much. Also, the NHS provides a haven for doctors whereby their competence, or lack of it, is rarely an issue. Skilled physicians are lumped in with their unskilled, mediocre peers. Patients, the NHS customers, cannot sort out competent from incompetent as we are not provided with the information.