One-third of GPs breaking rules over treatment of relatives

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

By Susan Ryan Thursday 30 Jun 2011, 9:38 PM

Jun 30th 2011, 9:38 PM 780 Views 12 Comments

http://jrnl.ie/167124

Image: Mykl Roventine via Creative Commons

Image: Mykl Roventine via Creative Commons

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 >

Short URL

About the author:

About the author

Susan Ryan

@SusanSRyan

susanryan@thejournal.ie

See more articles by Susan Ryan

Contribute to this story:

Send a Correction

COMMENTS (12)

∞

About Us

Corrections

Report Content

Policies

TheJournal.ie is a full participating member of the Press Council of Ireland and supports the Office of the Press Ombudsman. This scheme in addition to defending the freedom of the press, offers readers a quick, fair and free method of dealing with complaints that they may have in relation to articles that appear on our pages. To contact the Office of the Press Ombudsman Lo-Call 1890 208 080 or go to www.pressombudsman.ie or www.presscouncil.ie

Please note that TheJournal.ie uses cookies to improve your experience and to provide services and advertising. For more information on cookies please refer to our cookies policy.

News images provided by Press Association and Photocall Ireland unless otherwise stated. Irish sport images provided by Inpho Photography unless otherwise stated. Wire service provided by Associated Press.

Journal Media does not control and is not responsible for user created content, posts, comments, submissions or preferences. Users are reminded that they are fully responsible for their own created content and their own posts, comments and submissions and fully and effectively warrant and indemnify Journal Media in relation to such content and their ability to make such content, posts, comments and submissions available. Journal Media does not control and is not responsible for the content of external websites.

One-third of GPs breaking rules over treatment of relatives

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