Dr. Lorraine Nolan:

In that circumstance it is really important to try to understand what the doctor's reservations might actually be. It is his or her clinical judgment. What his or her clinical reasoning is in regard to a particular situation, and why he or she may not feel that this may be an appropriate form of treatment for the patient, is hugely important in that discussion. If I were the patient in that circumstance, that is something I would be keen to try to understand also.

Second opinions are part of medical oversight and they can happen. As an access programme is established, what may happen is where one consultant may not have experience, and I am not commenting on any particular case in saying this, he or she can refer to another consultant who may have more experience or has potentially treated another patient for advice. Those types of support may be available and could actually bring this along as well.