The dilemma facing doctors when it comes to being upfront with patients is captured in a new survey which found that one in five has been in a situation where they felt unable to apologise — even when the patient or their family expected an apology.

Doctors could be at increased risk of burnout after a survey indicated 95% of GPs experienced workplace stress in the past year.

The cost of private health insurance could rise yet again if insurance companies force private hospital consultants to pay an extra 42% in premiums to protect against medical negligence claims.