Ms Susan Clyne:

We did not express any concern about multidisciplinary teams as a concept. All doctors, consultants, GPs and everyone else are now working in multidisciplinary teams and the IMO is very supportive of the concept of the multidisciplinary team. No concern was expressed in our opening statement on that. We expressed concern about the provision in the legislation that the consultant must consult with another member of the team for a variety of tasks. This is not in line with the consultant's overall clinical responsibility for the patient or their clinical independence as outlined by contract. We feel that the lines would be blurred there. I want to be very clear that the I am always very supportive of all our colleagues within the multidisciplinary teams each of whom has value and each of whom brings something to the care of the patient. I will ask Professor Sadlier to expand on that.