I have just read an article on the BBC Website - Gas inhaling doctor can practice and was angered by the story. In a nutshell, a Doctor whilst on duty on a Children’s Ward inhaled entonox, a pain relieving gas, not just once, but four times, one of those times was described as an Entonox Party where he involved seven other nurses….
He was investigated by the GMC, who are supposed to “protect, promote and maintain the health and safety of the community by ensuring proper standards in the practice of medicine”.
So this Dr has been investigated, and because he said sorry and because his employment record of 7 whole months was unblemished he was let off!
Lets put this in to perspective and look at a case which involved a Paramedic, also on the BBC website – Struck off paramedic inhaled gas. This Paramedic was found to have inhaled entonox once whilst on shift, however the body that deals with Paramedics, the HPC “protect the public by setting and maintaining standards for the professions it regulates.” and have quite rightly chosen to struck of this Paramedic!
So how can to Healthcare regulating bodies come up with two differing opinions and solutions, or would it be that the HPC really does protect the public, where as the GMC protects its members…?
I will leave you to make up your own minds!
