Relationship Between the Media and Medicine in the UK with Special Emphasis on the Problem of SUI - Serious Untoward Incident

The public is often poorly informed by the media about various medical problems. In many parts of the medical information is a problem not only in the interactive dynamics, which includes journalism and the medical profession, but also in the acceptance of responsibility on both sides about the right way to inform the public. Sensationalism, bias, conflicts of interest and lack of continuous coverage are just some of the reasons for poor informing of public by media. Serious Untoward Incident (SUI) is an accident or incident in which a patient, medical staff or citizen suffered a serious injury, major permanent harm or unexpected death (or the risk of death or injury) in the hospital, other areas associated to hospital or other areas where providing medical services and activities where medical staff can cause significant concern of the public and the media. SUI is a serious medical problem with the possible unwanted consequences not only for patients but also for people involved in their care. Although the Law on Defamation built defensive power of individuals in the UK, it is still needed to work more on fight against media defamation and libel from the Internet web site and forums.