JUST what is going on? Less than a week after writing about a meningitis tragedy, your front page (LET, January 7) carried another story, which could easily also have had a similar ending.

I can well imagine your reporter's shock on hearing that the illness had been diagnosed as nappy rash, when, in fact, it was the onset of yet another case of meningitis.

Parents have been bombarded with leaflets, advising them what to look out for, and Dr Hilary Jones is often seen on television showing a simple test with a glass tumbler, which could possibly save a life, and yet we still get patients being diagnosed like this. It really does seem to point to a need for special training for all doctors, perhaps entitled: "Are you sure?"

I know that doctors may not come across a case in the whole of their career, but the effects can be devastating, with patients dying within a few hours.

It seems to be common sense to suggest, for all our sakes, that co-ordinated training be undertaken, so that the risk of tragic losses is lessened as far as possible.

As there have been several cases recently, perhaps someone could start a group, with specialist counselling available where needed.

Name and address received

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