It may seem a strange principle to enunciate as the very…
“It may seem a strange principle to enunciate as the very first requirement in a Hospital that it should do the sick no harm. It is quite necessary nevertheless to lay down such a principle.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The foundational rule for healthcare is to avoid causing additional injury to patients, even if it seems counterintuitive.
In simple terms: Do no harm to patients.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize patient safety above all.
Themes
ethics
patient care
medical practice
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
ethical
professional
When to use this quote
- clinical decision making
- policy drafting
- patient consent
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
non‑maleficence
principle of beneficence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can clinicians ensure they truly do no harm?
- What safeguards prevent unintended injury?
A Different Perspective
Balancing harm avoidance with necessary interventions can be complex.