Sir, It is difficult, if hardly possible, to learn or practise medicine without observing the natural history of any disorder and its treatment (“GPs won’t return to ‘good old days’,” letters, Jan 20). Clinical continuity in training and care is currently uncommon. Those of us — now ageing — who “knew” our patients, and were privileged to observe almost every change in their condition, are becoming a little fearful.
M. G. Whittaker
Past President of the North of England Surgical Society
Richmond, N Yorks