protecting privacy? Patients may disclose unanticipated personal information live on air leading to a distasteful or sensational portrayal of surgery. As well, do patients believe that agreeing to have their operation broadcast will result in their surgery being done better or earlier? Are they, along with the surgeon, putting themselves forward for the operation for self-promotion? " Start Quote We are not saying don't show operations to the public; just don't show them live - pre-record" End Quote Mr David Ward We are not saying don't show operations to the public; just don't show them live - pre-record. The public can still gain an understanding of surgery and feel informed, reassured and inspired, but without as many risks. Broadcasts used to train surgeons are fundamentally different. Most operations undertaken in NHS hospitals do so with junior surgeons being trained and gaining experience. By extending that opportunity out of the operating theatre through training broadcasts the small risks for the patient are balanced against the needs to ensure that the next generation of patients will be treated by fully trained professionals. No such direct patient benefit exists for the general public in live surgical broadcasts. The medical profession agrees that operating theatres should not be closed places, but we have to balance explaining our work to the wider world in a way that has the least potential impact on the patient being treated that day. This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While