They were responding to proposals drawn up by the chief medical officer,Sir Liam Donaldson, which were des-igned to improve the quality ofexpert medical testimony after this was called into question in a numberof high-profile court cases.
There was support from national bodies for the main proposal toestablish expert witness teams within health trusts.
But more than half of individual health professionals, includingpaediatricians and psychiatrists, were opposed to the plan.
Concerns included lack of NHS funding and doubts as to whether resourceswould be available to fund expert witness services.
Respondents also said that time constraints could lead to a possibleconflict between assisting the courts and clinical responsibilities.
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