title: Vantage point.
abstract: I STOOD back to allow the bed to pass as a young boy, accompanied by his mother, was wheeled into theatre. He was solemn and did not return my smile, no doubt controlling his fear. His mother, having made her decision to go ahead with the operation, was concentrating on him.
authors.affiliation: Clinical governance at Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London.
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Shuldham