In the UK, the offence you have to prove against medical or health
personnel is negligence; you don't have to prove any harm has come as
a result of it AFAIK.

However, I am not sure how far it would be worth persuing in a court
if there wasn't any demonstrable harm....but there certainly are
legal-standing hearings for personnel. With these,  their own
professional association can ban them from practising, suspend them
or otherwise discipline them. The professional organisation has to
instigate proceedings, though, I think - yet there have certainly
been cases which have begun with patients'/clients' complaints.

It is downright unethical to give formula when the mother has
expressed  wish not to - whether there is any physical harm resulting
is irrelevant at this level.

I just wish more mothers would *complain* at poor support of all
sorts with bf - not necessarily legally, but just with a letter, a
phone call or *something*.....a written or documented complaint even
once a week or once a month would challenge practice. I do ask
mothers if they would be prepared to do this, but the vast majority
are reluctant. When it seems appropriate, I have asked permission to
write on their behalf, and I have done this a few times. I have
usually had a reply. It is easier to write when it is a specific
incident, of course - more difficult when it's a generalised poor
level of support.

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc Newcastle upon Tyne UK

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