We need a legal duty of candour to break defensive culture

Trying to create a common culture of openness and honesty on the present foundation of denial and defensiveness is like trying to stand on jelly. To bring about real change, surely we need a legal duty of candour, writes Doireann O’Mahony

Medical negligence claims around childbirth are common. Cases involving injury or death of mother or baby are as contentious as they are tragic.

At what should be a joyous occasion, when things go wrong, the consequences are always devastating and very often lifelong.