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What should a suspended doctor do when his actions could save a patient’s life?

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Dr J A D Stewart, Department of Integrated Medicine, Glenfield Hospital, Groby Road, Leicester LE3 9QP, UK;
james.stewart{at}uhl-tr.nhs.uk

Suspension from duty is becoming an increasing threat for medical practitioners. While under suspension a doctor may, in extreme circumstances, find themselves in a difficult legal dilemma as to their duty of care towards others. A suspended doctor may risk litigation if they are unaware of the legal ramifications of their unusual circumstances. The following article outlines the legal situation as it applies to England and Wales.

Keywords: medicolegal issues; suspension; duty of care

Abbreviations: GMC, General Medical Council; GP, general practitioner