To the Editor: In his “Personal perspective” piece, Allen1 reminded us all of how medicine can at times truly be the noblest of professions. Writing to the next of kin after the death of a patient is occasionally a difficult task, but more usually provides an appropriate form of closure, not only to the relationship with the deceased patient, but also to relationships with the person’s partner, family members and friends whom you may have met during the treatment episode and whom you may not see again.
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- Colorectal Surgery Unit, Private Medical Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC.
Correspondence: itjones@bigpond.net.au
- 1. Allen RKA. On the merits of writing to the next of kin after the death of your patient: an Australian perspective. Med J Aust 2007; 186: 425. <MJA full text>
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