Quality of care: clinical governance and pathways.

On first reading, Stephen Bolsin’s editorial presents an encouraging and optimistic view of the way in which medical clinicians see their future roles and responsibilities regarding maintaining standards in Australian health care (Bolsin 2001). Referring to the Bristol case (Bolsin 1999; Hindle 1998), Bolsin says that past lapses provide "unequivocal guidance to doctors in both clinical and managerial positions". Thus the judgements made and the guidelines proposed in the aftermath of the Bristol scandal (reflected in part in local concerns with quality, risk, safety and benchmarking) require that clinicians respond in "a professional manner", which includes providing "appropriate care for the sick".