Orthopaedic surgeons have traditionally dictated their operation notes and correspondence. This practice was started by Sir Reginald Watson-Jones who recognized that most doctors have appalling handwriting. I am barely able to read my own writing at times, so dictation is essential in my practice. I’ve only ever bought one dictation machine in the past and that was 20 years ago. I recently bought a new digital voice recorder from Speak-IT Solutions in Birmingham and found their advice and service to be excellent. The new one is able to send my dictation straight to my secretary by email, which is very handy!