Record rise in NHS complaints
25 Aug 10
The rise in patient complaints last year is the highest in 12 years, official figures confirm, but the increase in those complaining about GPs has slowed.
Main Page Content:
News
Disputes over GP premises double in a year
05 Aug 10
Legal disputes between GPs and their trusts over practice premises have more than doubled over the past year, according to official figures.
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Libel law 'to be reformed'
13 Jul 10
Reforms to libel legislation will be introduced next year to protect scientific debate and freedom of speech, says a Government minister.
GP made 'serious breaches' in Baby P case, GMC rules
09 Jul 10
A GP at the centre of the Baby P case made several ‘serious breaches in his professional duty’, according to a GMC determination.
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Improper liaisons with patients leap 60%
24 Jun 10
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PCTs gain right to unilaterally axe PMS deals
17 Mar 10
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New assisted suicide guidelines 'put GPs at greater risk of prosecution'
02 Mar 10
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GPs hit back at 'soaring' patient complaint claims
08 Feb 10
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GPs 'practising defensively in wake of Baby P'
05 Feb 10
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Libel laws stifling debate on drug safety, say GPs
27 Jan 10
Articles
Practice dilemma: Police drugs enquiry
20 Aug 10
Your patient has been arrested by police but claims the drugs in her possession were prescribed by a GP in your practice. They call for confirmation of this. What should you do? Our legal expert advises.
Practice dilemma: Forgotten home visit
02 Aug 10
A GP from your practice forgets to write up his notes from a home visit to an elderly patient. The patient subsequently requests a copy of her notes from the practice and the GP admits his mistake. What should you do?
What should you do if you are informed about domestic violence?
20 Jul 10
This case-study looks at what you should do if a patient confides in you that they have been a victim of domestic violence.
What should you do if your patient has a positive HIV test?
20 Jul 10
This case-study looks at whether you should inform a patient that their partner is HIV-positive.
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What should you do if you disagree about withdrawing a feeding tube?
20 Jul 10
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What should you do if a patient is unable to give consent?
20 Jul 10
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What is your role in a family disagreement?
20 Jul 10
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Practice dilemma: Discipline grievance
20 Jul 10
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When should you disclose information to police?
20 Jul 10
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Practice dilemma: Practice staff smoking dope
14 Jul 10
Comment and analysis
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Cheated by legal agencies?
08 Sep 10
GPs working in the medico-legal field find it difficult to get paid. We work as individuals, so any single GP can be cheated out of payments without the wider body of GPs ever getting to know about it.
Guilty as charged
27 May 10
Through the K hole sits in on the trial of GP charged with a range of heinous crimes - including eye-rolling, nose-picking and Googling obscure skin conditions
Don't ask, don't tell?
25 Jan 10
Pulse's locum blogger's back - and has an uncomfortable dilemma when he goes to the surgery as a patient. Should he tell his GP he's a doctor?
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Insist on correct procedure for drug spot checks
Insist on correct procedure for drug spot checks
08 Dec 09
Under section 19 of the Controlled Drugs (Supervision of Management and Use) Regulations 2006, the accountable officer for your PCT or hospital trust can authorise an inspection of your premises without prior notice.
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Learning to live in a complaints culture
30 Nov 09
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How ContactPoint and information sharing will help support children
26 Oct 09
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Medication pic n mix?
21 Oct 09
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Patient complaint? What would Dr Jack Bauer do...
24 Mar 09
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Assisted death is not a right but a privilege
22 Jan 08
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An assisted death is a right for all
11 Dec 07
Letters
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Cheated by legal agencies?
08 Sep 10
GPs working in the medico-legal field find it difficult to get paid. We work as individuals, so any single GP can be cheated out of payments without the wider body of GPs ever getting to know about it.
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Update your defence body on changes to your status
05 Aug 10
While the pressures of general practice may make it tempting to delay administrative tasks to focus on patient care, we hope GPs will not put off informing their medical defence organisation (MDO) of any changes to their practice, such as...
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Insist on correct procedure for drug spot checks
Insist on correct procedure for drug spot checks
08 Dec 09
Under section 19 of the Controlled Drugs (Supervision of Management and Use) Regulations 2006, the accountable officer for your PCT or hospital trust can authorise an inspection of your premises without prior notice.
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Assisted death is not a right but a privilege
Assisted death is not a right but a privilege
22 Jan 08
I would have to contradict the statement heading Dr Cooper's article 'An assisted death is a right for all'.
Downloads
Guidance on treatment towards the end of life
20 Jul 10
GMC guidance to help doctors make good decisions in end of life care.
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Guidelines on patient confidentiality
20 Jul 10
These GMC guidelines set out the principles of confidentiality and respect for patients' privacy that doctors are expected to understand and follow.
