23. Duty of care to patients.

A person1 who holds himself out as ready to give medical2 advice or treatment impliedly undertakes that he is possessed of skill and knowledge for the purpose. Whether or not he is a registered medical practitioner3, such a person who is consulted by a patient owes a duty to exercise reasonable care and skill in diagnosing, advising and treating the patient4. The duty is owed to the patient alone5. A breach of this duty causing personal injury will support a claim for negligence by the patient6. A practitioner may also be liable for financial loss where he is aware