We are aware of the views expressed in the media to defer implementation of MMC, a major initiative aimed to improve both patient care and doctor's training. For this reason, it is subject to significant governance processes involving both the Department and the national health service. Although it represents a challenging agenda of work the four United Kingdom health Departments believe that MMC is proceeding satisfactorily and do not consider it necessary to delay it. Deferral now could significantly disadvantage some doctors in training.