From: "Brett"
Date: <2006 August 22 6:17:49 PM>
To: < This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it >
Subject: Uhlas and Geeta

Brett, Val and Priya ... have been patients of both Uhlas and Geeta over the past 18 years. We are deeply distressed on the Lad's behalf for the accusations that have been made against them, and the manner in which events have been reported. We believe the Mercury has skewed the information, especially the headlines. Whatever the circumstances, a person deserves respect at least until proven guilty.

In all of our dealings with the Lads, we have had nothing but the utmost respect for their personal and professional conduct. They have been exemplary family doctors.

We also are puzzled by the purported facts of the allegations. For those of us who know the surgery well - how busy it is, how the two doctors have their rooms close to each other and freely accessible - it is v. difficult to image how the 'misconduct' could have taken place.

Many have made comment that 'where there is smoke there is fire'. We do not believe this to be the case with regard to the Lad's situation. We sympathise deeply with any person who is used and abused by persons in a position of trust. However, we believe also that in the case of the Lads, the system has allowed cultivation and exaggeration of the circumstances. This is akin to the kind of social phenomenon that grew around Lindy Chamberlain - the conviction that she was guilty raced like wildfire through the community without any basis in fact. In the Lad's case, it is probably true also that if this had been a court and not a tribunal hearing, the complaints would not have reached a hearing - there would not have been a case to answer.

It will be a very sad day for justice in Tasmania, if the charges against Dr Uhlas Lad are not emphatically dismissed.

Brett and Val