Suspension of doctors

doi:10.1136/bmj.328.7433.181

BMJ 2004;328:181-182 (24 January), doi:10.1136/bmj.328.7433.181

Editorial

Suspension of doctors

The process is badly handled at present, and new guidance iswelcome

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

For any employee to be excluded from work is a devastating blow,whatever the circumstances. In the case of doctors the safetyof patients may be a justifiable reason, but the process thatleads to that decision is not straightforward and in many casesthe individuals concerned, their colleagues, and the patientsfeel confused and uninformed.

A recent report from the National Audit Office has confirmedwhat many suspected and some have suffered at first hand—thatthe process of suspension has to date been haphazard and badlyhandled in many NHS organisations.¹ Following this report comesnew guidance from the Department of Health, contained in a directionto NHS trusts that has to be applied to all suspensions.

The report from the National Audit Office is forthright aboutthe expensive and damaging consequences that result when suspensionsare performed badly. The numbers involved are hard to ascertain,but estimates indicate . . . [Full text of this article]

Duncan Empey, honorary professor

Centre for Healthcare Planning and Management, Keele University, Barts and the London NHS Trust, London Chest Hospital, London E2 9JX (duncan.empey@bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk)

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NCAA : Poor Leadership Is The Main Problem: Joseph .C. Obi
bmj.com, 24 Jan 2004 [Full text]
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bmj.com, 23 Jan 2004 [Full text]
Suspension is not the answer: Umesh Prabhu
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