From my own perspective as a young sessional GP, I found Pulse’s recent conference managed to cater for all ages and interests.
There were lots of helpful bits of information, such as QOF updates in 40 minutes, and the debate about where the NHS was heading was a good insight into Europe’s biggest organisation. Throughout the event there were chances to get to know and probe some leading names.
Sometimes achieving CPD can feel a bit like box-ticking, but at Pulse Live I was able to learn more about general practice as a whole – and have a nice lunch too.
As doctors on the front line, we share the dismay with which sick and/or disabled people have greeted the failure of the BMA’s leadership to give any effect to the unanimous wishes of its members: that this dreadful régime should be immediately terminated.
The GMC’s own publication Good Medical Practice states that ‘a doctor must take prompt action if you think that patient safety, dignity or comfort is being compromised’. There remains no safety protocol in the current system for assessing risk or avoidance of harm to patients, nor any formal reporting mechanisms for GPs to report significant adverse events, such as self-harm and suicides.
Our campaign calls upon the BMA to publicise the lawful application of GMC regulations without further delay, in order to prevent further avoidable harm to patients. Any failure to do so would, in our opinion, amount to negligence.
From Dr Suma Grandhi, Wolverhampton
