MDDUS would like to remind members working in GP practice to consider carefully their professional and contractual obligations before deregistering a patient.
We have dealt with many cases where practices have faced censure for inappropriately removing a patient from the practice list.
Doctors must be sure to comply with General Medical Council guidance on this topic, which emphasises that deregistering a patient should be done only in rare circumstances.
This may include where a patient has:
- been violent or aggressive
- stolen from you/the practice
- persistently behaved unreasonably
- made sexual advances to you.
Before ending the relationship, you must:
- warn the patient
- do what you can to restore the relationship
- explore alternatives to ending the relationship
- discuss the situation with an experienced colleague.
Doctors must also be prepared to justify their decision and ensure continuity of care for the patient.
Members should read through the GMC guidance in full and take into account any contractual obligations when considering ending their professional relationship with a patient.
Please contact MDDUS for more detailed advice on advice@mddus.com
This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.