... of men which ought not to be spoken of abroad, I will not divulge, as reckoning that all such should be kept secret'.1 This concept has consistently been part of the codes of conduct for the medical profession, both internationally and nationally with the Declaration of Geneva (1983) highlighting the vital nature of the trust and confidence within the doctor patient relationship; 'I will respect the secrets which are confided in me, even after the patient has died'.2 Thus it is not question of whether the doctor in this instance, or in any other situation, has a duty of confidentiality to his or her patient. The nature of the relationship between a doctor and his or her patient is one based on trust and openness, which has its foundations in the fact that there is understanding of confidentiality about what passes between them. The nature of health care today, with ...

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