Question

A foundation doctor notices that a senior registrar on a night shift smells strongly of alcohol, is slurring his speech and is about to start a ward round including prescribing and invasive procedures. What is the most appropriate next action?

Accepted Answer

Immediately contact the on-call consultant or senior manager to remove the registrar from clinical duties and ensure patient safety

Answer

Ignore the situation as challenging a senior may damage your career

Answer

Confront the registrar aggressively in front of the team and demand he goes home

Answer

Document your concerns and raise them with the clinical director at the next audit meeting

Answer

Confide in a colleague but take no formal action unless something goes wrong

Practice question

A foundation doctor notices that a senior registrar on a night shift smells strongly of alcohol, is slurring his speech and is about to start a ward round including prescribing and invasive procedures. What is the most appropriate next action?