The effective apology

Mike Devlin MDU head of professional standards and liaison
ByDr Michael Devlin
Published12 August 2015
We apologise all the time, for the smallest perceived slights. Can it then really be so hard to say sorry to a patient when something has gone wrong?

“An apology is not an expression of liability or an implicit acceptance of fault”

This page was correct at publication on 12/08/2015. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.

Dr Michael Devlin
Head of professional standards and liaison

Michael was an MDU medico-legal adviser for 15 years, latterly as head of medico-legal services, before taking up the new role of head of professional standards and liaison. He sat on the FFLM's academic committee and was previously treasurer, and an examiner for the MFFLM. He has published widely on medico-legal matters, and has significant experience in teaching and assessing knowledge in medico-legal subjects.

The effective apology