Conclusion

Clinical governance is at the heart of medical professionalism. The exhortation ‘first, do no harm’ should be understood in its broad meaning and context. Harm is not limited to physical injury; psy­chological injury is also important. In carrying out our professional duties, obstetricians and gynaecologists should aim not only for op­timal clinical outcomes but also the best possible patient experience, and in so doing derive personal, professional, and occupational sat­isfaction. These lofty aims are best achieved if clinical governance is integral to clinical practice rather than being regarded as separate from everyday clinical activities.