Common sense approach to home visits in poor weather
A number of GPs have been calling MDDUS for advice about their obligations to visit patients in the current adverse weather conditions. Doctors must make every reasonable effort to undertake home visits to ill patients but should avoid creating further problems by becoming snowbound or having an accident while travelling.
Caution urged over patient gifts
CHRISTMAS is fast approaching and your patients might take the opportunity to offer a gift - but could accepting it compromise your professional judgement?
Student work placements
BUDDING doctors and dentists rely on work experience to get a foot on the career ladder - but these placements are not risk-free.
Equal under the law
BIG changes are looming in the world of equality legislation that will have an impact on employment practices.
Delegate with care
Ensure your staff are not asked to take on tasks out with their competence or responsibility. Ensure that they are properly trained in any task they are asked to carry out. Keep good records of all staff training as proof of competence.
Erasure by oversight
Don't lose your licence to practise because the GMC or GDC don't have your correct contact details.
Don’t deal with GMC/GDC alone
Doctors and dentists should resist the temptation to respond to GMC or GDC correspondence on their own.
'Bigging up' the CV
Competition for jobs can sometimes be fierce, but resist the temptation to 'big-up' a CV with lies or half-truths.
Medico-legal risk in assisted suicide
The risks faced by doctors who assist in a suicide have been set out for the first time in the new policy from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Be clear on competency when providing ‘fit notes’
Keep within clinical competence in making workplace recommendations on medical ‘fit notes’