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’
Beware dangerous side-effects in chronic asthma treatment
Failure to adequately monitor long-term steroid treatment of patients with chronic asthma can lead to serious side-effects.
Ensure adequate chaperoning to prevent sex assault claims
Complaints of sexual assault by patients are not uncommon. Doctors should always offer a chaperone wherever possible.
Resource prioritisation in flu pandemic
How should doctors prioritise vaccinations among vulnerable patient groups should demand outstrip supply?