Letter: A doctor's duty and a patient's right to die

Sir: I am writing to add my voice to the numerous others raised, united in their anger against the verdict pronounced upon the consultant Dr Nigel Cox. It was with shock, disbelief and a broken heart that I read the outcome of the trial.

I cannot think of anything crueller than to destroy, both personally and professionally, a dedicated doctor who had acted in a uniquely humanitarian way.

Yes, I certainly think that the law should be changed: both to guide better the medical profession and, more importantly, to safeguard and uphold the last wishes of the individual.

Yours faithfully,

HELEN SIMPSON

Leicester

21 September