AT LAST;
some media attention (local really seems the way to go):
http://www.devonlive.com/senior-dev...f-conference/story-30340505-detail/story.html
Senior Devon doctors apologise for offensive name of conference
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Senior Devon doctors holding a conference in Exeter have been forced to issue an apology after apparently branding sick children 'Muppets'.
South West Paediatric Club is holding a conference today which it originally titled 'A day with the MUPP(ET)S'.
MUPPS is short for Medically Unexplained Persistent Physical Symptoms. The organisers of the event at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital issued an apology after a large number of complaints.
They said: "The SWPC is extremely sorry for the offence caused by the original title we gave our conference on medically unexplained conditions today.
"This was wholly unintentional and something we very much regret.
"As an organisation deeply passionate about improving paediatric care we wish to make it absolutely clear that this was in no was our description or view of the children we are proud to care for."
SWPC said the title was a description of the doctors and the challenges they face.
A number of people contacted the SWPC and the venue to complain - both directly and via social media. The RD&E said on social media it would be speaking to the organisers about the event.
Janine Lloyd said she was: "Absolutely disgusted at our sick children being called 'Muppets'." Others tweeted 'shame' or 'unbelievable' among dozens of messages.
The hospital issued a standard response to tweets at its account and retweeted the apology from the SWPC.
According to the NHS, medically unexplained symptoms account for up to a fifth of all cases seen by GPs.
The NHS website reads: "Many people have persistent physical complaints, such as dizziness or pain, that don't appear to be symptoms of a medical condition.
"These type of symptoms are sometimes known as "medically unexplained symptoms" or "functional symptoms" when they last for more than a few weeks, but doctors can't find a problem with the body that may be the cause.
"This doesn't mean the symptoms are faked or "all in the head" – they're real and can affect your ability to function properly.
"Not understanding the cause can make them even more distressing and difficult to cope with.
"Medically unexplained symptoms are common, accounting for up to a fifth of all GP consultations in the UK."
Muppet is commonly undesrtood to be an offensive term.
According to Urban Dictionary it is: "an alternative term for idiot or moron. Usually used in the UK to describe someone who is incompetent or gormless. Taken from the name for the popular Jim Henson Puppets."