COVID report reveals standards of conduct do not reflect current workplace realities

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MEDICOLEGAL

COVID report reveals standards of conduct do not reflect current workplace realities

Gaeline Phipps

Gaeline Phipps

Nurse on cellphone
Nurses caring for COVID-19 patients in Waitākere Hospital were put at risk because they had to leave the room every time they needed to talk to the doctor or whānau

Wellington barrister Gaeline Phipps asks whether it is reasonable for doctors and nurses to have to advocate for appropriate care for patients in today’s stretched working environment

 Key points, Codes of conduct require doctors and nurses to advocate for appropriate care for their patients. Current Medical Council guidelines support advocat, Pract Green w Pale Yellow
References

1. Health and Disability Commissioner. Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights. https://bit.ly/2Wee8tr
2. Shepherd M, Andrew P, Kirkwood G, et al. Incident Review Report: COVID-19 Staff Infections Waitakere Hospital April 2020. May 2020. https://bit.ly/2WdfxQT
3. Medical Council of New Zealand. Responsibilities of doctors in management and governance. March 2011. https://bit.ly/38OQTv7
4. Nursing Council of New Zealand. Code of Conduct for nurses. June 2012. https://bit.ly/3iZca9Z
5. Medical Council of New Zealand. Safe practice in an environment of resource limitation. September 2018. https://bit.ly/2OmiH0g