One-third of GPs breaking rules over treatment of relatives

Medical Council’s ethical guidelines discourage doctors from treating their own relatives.

ONE-THIRD of GPS and five per cent of consultants are in breach of Medical Council guidelines advising against the treatment of family members, according to a report in the Medical Independent.

The ethical guidelines say it is “not advisable” for doctors to treat their own family members, unless it is a medical emergency or a minor illness, or provide them with prescriptions.

Two hundred GPs participated anonymously in the study. The survey results showed high levels of self-care by the doctors, and the doctors said they were much more likely to be approached for care by distant relatives rather than close family members.

Read June Shannon’s report in full in the Medical Independent >

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