[Dr Guttmann and Dr Cowan are arguing over whether a spinal patient should have an operation that could damage his spine]

Dr. Cowan:
What brings you to my department?
Dr. Ludwig Guttmann:
This young man, William Heath, he is my patient.
Dr. Cowan:
I operate tomorrow. Unstable fracture of the ninth vertibrae.
Dr. Ludwig Guttmann:
[looking at X-rays]
No! I think not. Ah, my apologies. Yes, he *does* have a fracture, you are right. And yes, for all anyone knows, it *may* be unstable. But, no, you are not going to operate on him. We don't know yet how much movement may be restored.
Dr. Cowan:
None.
Dr. Ludwig Guttmann:
And with the operation, you are *guaranteeing* this.
[they continue the discussion in General Blake's office]

Dr. Cowan:
The Army consultant sent Heath here expressly for this operation.
Dr. Ludwig Guttmann:
He sent him to my ward.
Dr. Cowan:
Actually he sent him to *me*.
Dr. Ludwig Guttmann:
But now I'm here so I can take over. From today, all spinal patients are my responsibility.
Dr. Cowan:
I gather that you haven't touched a patient for years.
Dr. Ludwig Guttmann:
I haven't been *allowed* to.
General Blake:
Dr Guttmann has specialised in spinal patients all his life.
Dr. Cowan:
Yes, in Germany.
Dr. Ludwig Guttmann:
The spinal cord is the same for Wilhelm or William, Henry or Heinrich. There are pioneering treatments.
Dr. Cowan:
Experimental.
Dr. Ludwig Guttmann:
No, new but already proven. Munro is doing great work in Boston.
Dr. Cowan:
America? Say no more. I am doing what I consider to be the best for this mortally wounded young man.
Dr. Cowan:
He has *not* been mortally wounded.
Dr. Cowan:
His life expectancy is what? Six months?
Dr. Ludwig Guttmann:
That is why I am here. Too many cripples in the last war. Too many men dying young. Too many wounded men made helpless by medical neglect. Too many widows. That is why I am here.

Film

The Best of Men (2012)

Persone

Nessun dato in archivio

SerieTv

Nessun dato in archivio