Having recently been the subject of correspondence between my GP and several specialists, I’ve been reflecting on the slightly archaic art of medical letter writing.

I don’t remember ever being formally taught to write letters. I think maybe you just pick it up from sidelong glances at other doctors’ letters.

Who among us doesn’t remember our first few weeks wrestling with the dictaphone as the entire office of admin staff, nurses and other doctors listen in?

After gliding over the address, list of recipients and specialties with complete poise, you come to that first line: “Dear Margaret, I saw Fred today in clinic with his wife, Jean. He…” and then all comes apart, and you begin adding your own wear and tear to the stop and rewind buttons.