Medical Negligence Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is a complaint?
It is regarded as any expression of dissatisfaction about our action or lack of action, or about the standard of service provided by us on our behalf
What is the time limit on complaints?
It should be within 6 months of the incident
OR
It is within 6 months of becoming aware, assuming that is is not 12 months from the incident
How long can the complaint officer take to decide whether the complaint can be dealt with formally or informally?
5 days
How long should it take for complaints to be fully responded to?
< 20 days
What can patients do if they are dissatisfied by the complaint response?
They can contact the complaints officer again
OR
They can contact the Public Services Ombudsman
What are local complaints?
It is the lowest form of complaint, which usually involves the member of staff themselves or their line manager
What might result from a local complaint?
Disciplinary action from your employer
In which document do you have to declare any complaints that have been made against you?
Annual appraisal
What can local complaints escalate to?
Civil claim
What is a civil claim?
It is a complaint which involves a sheriff or judge
What can civil complaints escalate to?
GMC involvement
Can patients go directly to the GMC to make a complaint?
Yes
Which GMC members initially investigate a complaint? In cases where honesty and probity are questioned, who then reviews the complaint?
Case workers
Case examiners
Who imposes sanctions based upon the investigations conducted by the GMC on complaints?
Medical practitioners tribunal service (MPTS)
What four sanctions can be imposed by the MPTS?
Supervision
Prescription restrictions
Suspension
Register removal
Who has the right to appeal at this point in complaint escalation?
Both parties
What can medical council complaints escalate to?
Criminal prosecution
What five criminal allegations can be made against doctors?
Indecent assault
Prescription fraud
Manslaughter
Murder
Deception offences
What is civil law?
It settles disputes between individuals and organisations
What is a consequence of civil court prosecution?
Compensation
What is criminal law?
It relates to offences and breaches that negatively affect society as a whole, rather than just one person
What is a consequence of criminal court prosecution?
Prison
What is medical negligence?
It is defined as a lack of reasonable care and skill as a result of which the patient suffers
What type of law does medical negligence usually fall under - criminal or civil?
Civil law
