Sir: I wonder if other members of the College share my concern over the Government's introduction of a ‘psychiatric tsar’ even if the represenative, Louis Appleby, is a senior member of our College. The word tsar has unfortunate connotations, linked with past Russian dictators.

The concern is that, through the tsar, the Government will dictate national psychiatric practice. A recent newspaper article outlined the tsar's intention to make all acute wards single sex within the next 2 years; separating the sleeping quarters would not be sufficient (Reference BrindleBrindle, 2000). Mind and the Schizophrenia Fellowship were reported to be enthusiastic for this measure. Yet we run a sector ward that has come under threat from such a measure, and both the Users' Group and Mind are strongly supportive of retaining the sector ward.

The Government wants to be seen to be introducing sweeping changes, but while these may look seductively good on paper, they may put at risk the very framework needed for our therapeutic work.

I am left wondering where the College comes into the situation. Should it be canvassing and representing its membership's views on the importance of maintaining sector wards? General psychiatrists are coming under increasing stress, reflected in difficulty in recruitment and early retirement. A firm stand by the College against imposition of too rigid national frameworks would be a first step towards improving the work climate for the beleaguered general psychiatrist.