Question

You are an FY2 doctor on a surgical ward. During the morning ward round, the consultant surgeon smells strongly of alcohol, appears unsteady, and is about to take a patient to theatre for an elective cholecystectomy. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Inform the on-call clinical director or duty manager immediately about your concerns

Answer

Say nothing but document your concerns in the notes after the ward round

Answer

Report the consultant anonymously to the GMC after the list

Answer

Ask the patient to sign an additional consent form acknowledging the risk

Answer

Cancel the theatre list yourself and send all patients home

Practice question

You are an FY2 doctor on a surgical ward. During the morning ward round, the consultant surgeon smells strongly of alcohol, appears unsteady, and is about to take a patient to theatre for an elective cholecystectomy. What is the most appropriate immediate action?