Medical
This slim volume has a refreshingly simple approach, with an early declaration that “medical law is nothing like as difficult as practitioners in the field…pretend that is”. In a market probably over-endowed with recent texts of medical law, this looks promising.
Throughout, the writing style is commendably readable, using short, clear sentences which tell us what we need to know. The author's opinion is expressed abundantly and often amusingly, which makes the book as a whole hugely enjoyable to read.
A text with a stated agenda of simplification may sometimes overdo it. Foster has overwhelmingly avoided that danger. Exceptions arise in his chapter on The Law of Death, which includes too brief a consideration of gross negligence manslaughter, and somewhat oversimplified treatment of the complex issues of palliative care and euthanasia (in contrast to withholding treatment).
However, most subjects covered are dealt with well, and some very well. Those in the Department of Health responsible for the NHS spine might usefully read the section on confidentiality of medical records.
