Hung-over/ drunk colleague Flashcards
When you are in the hospital mess you hear a CT1 telling another SHO about how hung-over he is from a late party the night before. You notice he is walking unsteadily and slightly slurring his words.
Initiative: make arrangements to cover the CT1s shift without giving the full reason for why they needed to leave. Volunteer myself to cover some of their duties, if you are able to do so. Review any patients or jobs performed by the CT1 that day for any errors.
Who may be able to give you advice regarding how to deal with this situation?
Medical Indemnity organisations e.g. MPS, MDU and the BMA provide anonymous advice over the phone
Educational supervisor – although ideally the number of people aware of this issue should be kept to the minimum.
The colleague is very concerned that if you escalate this issue they will not be able to practice medicine again. What would the likely outcome of escalation be?
decision for further escalation will be done by the consultant
formal warning, referral to GMC for review and/ or suspension.
The colleague would definitely require referral for appropriate services for psychological and addiction support.
