The disastrous record of certain surgeons in Bristol in relation to heart surgery on children has greatly undermined public confidence in the medical profession specifically and the professional self-regulation process generally. It is already influencing policy on clinical and professional governance. The conviction of the Hyde general practitioner Dr Harold Shipman for the murder of 15 of his patients (see p201) will have an equally profound effect. While we know of no evidence to show that pharmacists might have behaved inappropriately in relation to the Shipman case, the profession, along with other professions, will have to take urgent steps to restore and deserve public confidence.