Good Medical Practice GMC sets out rules for flu pandemic

[Treyfish]

06-Mar-09

Doctors can work outside their normal field of practice during a flu pandemic, new GMC guidance states.
The pandemic guidance comes into force once the CMO announces a UK Level 3 alert, meaning there is a new virus outbreak after sustained human-to-human transmission.
In a pandemic the GMC 'strongly encourages' retired and non-working doctors to go back to work if asked. The council would have powers to rapidly re-register retired doctors.
The right to work outside one's normal field of practice would also apply to doctors treating patients with conditions other than flu, Pandemic Influenza: Good Medical Practice - Responsibilities of Doctors in a National Pandemic says.
Performance review and attending educational events would be put on hold.
In a pandemic, doctors will be expected to follow Good Medical Practice where 'practical'.
The stricture to avoid treating family and friends would be temporarily lifted. But doctors should still not treat themselves.:tiphat:http://www.healthcarerepublic.com/rss/news/GP/article/886702/GMC-sets-rules-flu-pandemic/