The Doctor-Patient Relationship

Breakdown of the Doctor-Patient Relationship

Occasionally, a patient’s conduct may persistently fall outside reasonable bounds, resulting in a breakdown of the doctor-patient relationship.

In such instances, the practice will:

Engage with the patient by:

• Notifying the patient, either by telephone or in writing, that a problem has been identified.
• Explaining the nature of the issue clearly.
• Seeking the patient’s perspective.
• Obtaining advice from the British Medical Association if required.

Within the practice:

• Inform relevant staff members.
• Discuss the patient’s behaviour and potential contributing factors (such as cultural differences or mental health conditions) at a Practice Meeting.

If resolution is not achieved:

• Submit a request for removal from the practice list to the Patient Registration Department (PCSE).
• Notify the patient in writing of the decision and the reasons for removal.
• Ensure the patient is not left without a General Practitioner.
• Provide guidance on how to register with an alternative practice.