SOME people say you need a sense of humour to work in the NHS, and Dr Phil Hammond can certainly see the funny side of life.

Phil Hammond is an NHS doctor, comedian, journalist, broadcaster and campaigner. He was a GP for 20 years and now works in a hospital treating young people with chronic fatigue syndrome.

He also has a date at Worcester's Huntingdon Hall, where he hopes to tickle funny bones, with quips and anecdotes

He might have developed a reassuring bedside manner over the years. But what was the worst mistake of his career?

He said: "Flushing a woman's venflon with potassium instead of saline. The bottles were identical, and it was an easy mistake to make. Fortunately, I was so incompetent, the venflon had punctured the vein so her heart remained beating but her arm really hurt.

"I should have checked the bottle properly – I was tired, it was 2am, I wasn’t properly supervised – but I was responsible for nearly killing someone and it taught me to be much more safety conscious."

A good thing too. And what was his best career move?

Phil said: "Going to the Edinburgh Fringe in 1990 with Tony Gardner in Struck Off and Die. It's the most fun I've ever had with a rancid rice pudding. After six years, Tony gave up medicine to be a comedy actor, and now has a BAFTA for Last Tango in Halifax. Not that I’m at all jealous. Bastard."

After such a varied career, with ups and downs, to whom would he most like to apologise?

Phil said: "The woman who suffered potassium pain who I then tried to convince was allergic to saline. Also, the man I erroneously told had gonorrhoea when I mixed the notes up. And to the GMC who may now wish to reconsider my revalidation."

Phil has a new book out. What's is about?

"It’s called 'Staying Alive - How to Get the Best from the NHS'. It’s more serious than the others, and I hope more useful. It also advises you on how to get the most from your one wild and precious life. In it I argue that most lives need living not medicalising."

But returning to the theme of his medical career, can he recall his most embarrassing moments?

Phil said: "Well, I was mis-introduced at a conference as the Patron Saint of Herpes, when in fact I'm a Patron of the Herpes Viruses Association; and I once did the perfect poo, according to the Bristol Stool Chart. It coiled twice around the pan and was pointed at both ends. Beat that."

Does he believe in doctor-assisted suicide?

Phil said: "Yes. As soon as I start putting CDs in the toaster, I'll be popping Dr Phil's Go Quickly Pills."

And what is his guiltiest pleasure?

"I lie for laughs," said Phil.

Dr Phil will be at The Huntingdon Hall on March 4, from 7.30pm.

Tickets and further details on, 01905 611427.