Letter: Denims make the well-dressed doctor

Sir: I have the advantage over John Taylor (letter, 15 April) in that I have attended NHS establishments every day for some years. My usual apparel consists of denims, casual shirt and tie, purely for reasons of personal comfort. This frequently attracts remarks of a positive nature from my patients, who say that they find it much easier to relate their problems to someone in whose presence they feel relaxed.

I feel that I have earned their respect by my abilities rather than my clothes. Furthermore, I am sure that the appearance in our casualty department of a doctor wearing black coat and striped trousers would be more likely to invite a 'mouthful of knuckles' than to protect adequately against one.

Yours faithfully,

AUSTIN LEACH

Department of Anaesthesia

Royal Liverpool

University Hospital

Liverpool