Question

A 45-year-old nurse tells you in confidence that a consultant surgeon routinely ignores the surgical checklist and has been operating while appearing drowsy from medication. She is afraid to speak up. What is your most appropriate response as a doctor hearing this concern?

Accepted Answer

Escalate the concern through local clinical governance or patient safety channels and support her to raise it

Answer

Advise her to keep quiet because raising concerns may harm her career

Answer

Encourage her to confront the consultant alone during theatre

Answer

Ignore the concern because you have not witnessed it personally

Answer

Post anonymously about the consultant on social media

Practice question

A 45-year-old nurse tells you in confidence that a consultant surgeon routinely ignores the surgical checklist and has been operating while appearing drowsy from medication. She is afraid to speak up. What is your most appropriate response as a doctor hearing this concern?