Question

A junior doctor repeatedly arrives for night shifts smelling strongly of alcohol and behaving erratically. Nursing staff express concern to you as the senior on call. Patient care has not yet obviously been compromised. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Escalate concerns to an appropriate senior (for example, clinical or educational supervisor) in line with local policies and document your actions

Answer

Ignore the concerns unless there is a serious incident

Answer

Confront the doctor on the ward in front of staff and threaten to report him

Answer

Report the doctor anonymously to the GMC without discussing locally

Answer

Speak to the doctor socially outside work but take no further action if he denies a problem

Practice question

A junior doctor repeatedly arrives for night shifts smelling strongly of alcohol and behaving erratically. Nursing staff express concern to you as the senior on call. Patient care has not yet obviously been compromised. What is the most appropriate action?