An improved method of communication between computerized accident and emergency departments and general practitioners.

This new system of communication sends the data on four sticky labels (Fig. 1), one of which can be permanently left in the patients folder without taking up too much space. Further details can be obtained by telephoning the A&E department and quoting the A&E number on the sticky label.

Posterior dislocation of shoulder and bilateral hip fractures caused by epileptic seizure.

A case in which a patient with normal bone texture suffered a posterior shoulder dislocation combined with bilateral sub-capital femoral neck fractures during an ictal episode and in which the diagnosis of bilateral hip fractures was delayed is described.

Confirmation of death.

A working party set up to study the problems surrounding the confirmation of death investigated current practice by means of a questionnaire sent to a random sample of accident and emergency departments in district general hospitals. Of the 38 replying, 24 said that bodies were examined in the ambulance, four in the accident and emergency department, and 10 in both. Answers to the other questions also suggest that the present procedures are in general unsatisfactory, and some dissatisfaction was expressed by departments.