Doctors have a Professional and Ethical Duty to follow and promote COVID-19 Public Health Guidelines

Friday, 4th September 2020: The President of the Medical Council has today reiterated that doctors have a professional and ethical duty, and a responsibility to both their patients and wider society, in following and promoting COVID-19 public health guidelines.

President of the Medical Council, Dr Rita Doyle, said: “As we enter our seventh month with COVID-19 impacting our daily lives and as we look ahead to what may be a very challenging winter for the health services, we must all, as a nation, ensure we follow the guidance from our public health experts and NPHET.”

“Doctors must continue to advocate for their patients by actively promoting the public health guidance, especially the three core actions of hand washing, social distancing and the wearing of face coverings,” stated Dr Doyle.

The Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Medical Practitioners sets out the principles of professional practice that all registered doctors should follow for the benefit of their patients, themselves, colleagues and the wider public. This includes having a duty to ensure compliance with all laws and regulations relating to their practice. This also includes ensuring doctors promote a culture of patient safety within the context of the wider health system.

Doctors also have responsibilities when it comes to posting on social media. The Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Medical Practitioners states: You should always think about the possible impact on colleagues, patients or the public’s perception of the profession, before publishing comments on social media sites.

Dr Doyle continued by reminding doctors to look after their own wellbeing: “To doctors, who have had a very challenging year to date, I want to once again commend you for your hard work and remind you of your ethical responsibility to look after your own wellbeing and ensure you are getting rest, eating well, exercising and spending time relaxing.”

“This virus does not get tired, but doctors do. You must take care of yourself so you can care for your patients.”

“We all have a role to play as citizens. Follow the guidelines and know the symptoms. If displaying any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 restrict your movements and contact your GP. We must all redouble our efforts and follow the guidance,” concluded Dr Doyle.