I cannot understand how the Hong Kong Medical Council could condone the use of mobile phones by surgeons in operating theatres. How can it be right for a surgeon to be distracted whilst performing surgery? Also, could the council explain why it is that the use of mobile phones is banned on hospital wards for fear of interference to medical equipment, yet a surgeon can use his in an operating theatre full of sensitive equipment? Supposedly, it is dangerous to drive and talk on your mobile, but doing the same and performing surgery is all right. I am sure that I am not the only one who would like to know how the Medical Council reached this 'intelligent' decision. CLIVE A. GREGORY Mid-Levels It is idiotic for the Medical Council to say it is all right for a doctor to accept a phone call during surgery. There is no telephone call that any doctor should receive at this time that is more important than the job in hand, except that of advising the doctor concerned that an immediate member of his family had just died or been killed. But in the latter circumstances one would hope a better system exists. I had always believed that all doctors swore an oath to do their best for their patients at all times. Allegedly talking about buying a car with a patient under surgery? Come off it Medical Council. BOB BEADMAN Tsuen Wan