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A doctors' trade union has warned that morale among island medics has been so negatively impacted by the naming of a clinician during a States debate that it is going to affect recruitment and retention of staff.
The local British Medical Association executive issued a statement last week, following the States decision to clear Deputy Gavin St Pier of abusing parliamentary privilege.
On behalf of the BMA, Doctor Matt Dorrian said the States needs to "reassure the local medical community that this decision does not reflect a disregard for the wellbeing of their members generally."
Dr Dorrian's statement confirms that Dr Sandie Bohin had been previously found to have "acted professionally, appropriately and in line with guidelines and codes of conduct set by the GMC". The fact she was then named by Deputy St Pier as he tried to force a debate on the Responsible Officer's Report, has been widely condemned by those within the medical profession.
Pictured: Dr Matt Dorrian.
"The BMA is appalled that despite this she was named in parliament in relation to this investigation and had her professional credibility questioned in the most public way by a senior politician with a conflict of interest," said the BMA's statement.
"The precedent set by this episode is very dangerous to the provision of local medical services. Not least it has already caused significant disruption to the local safeguarding service," it continued.
"The BMA is concerned by the impact on the individual clinician, which has been extremely traumatic and the morale of the profession as a whole.
"We are aware that apologies have been received but call upon the chamber to consider the implications for recruitment and retention of medical staff consequent to the privilege panel’s decision."
The BMA, and the doctors it represents have asked the States to reassure them that their professional reputations are protected going forward.
You can hear the BMA's statement and others speaking out about this situation in our FOCUS podcast: Spotlight on safeguarding.
The local BMA executive is disappointed by the recent decision from the Privilege Panel to clear Deputy Gavin St Pier of abusing parliamentary privilege, and looks to the States of Guernsey to reassure the local medical community that this decision does not reflect a disregard for the wellbeing of their members generally.
Dr Bohin is nationally recognised as an expert in her field and a highly valued, respected member of the local medical community. Previously an investigation undertaken through the local governance process had found that Dr Bohin had acted professionally, appropriately and in line with guidelines and codes of conduct set by the GMC.
The BMA is appalled that despite this she was named in parliament in relation to this investigation and had her professional credibility questioned in the most public way by a senior politician with a conflict of interest.
The fact that the privilege panel felt this was acceptable raises grave concerns amongst our members about their ability to practice with confidence in an environment where vindication through official investigation provides no protection against personal attack from politicians.
The precedent set by this episode is very dangerous to the provision of local medical services. Not least it has already caused significant disruption to the local safeguarding service.
The BMA is concerned by the impact on the individual clinician, which has been extremely traumatic and the morale of the profession as a whole.
We are aware that apologies have been received but call upon the chamber to consider the implications for recruitment and retention of medical staff consequent to the privilege panel’s decision.
The BMA feels strongly that doctors who provide high standards of care, undergo regular appraisal and are found to be acting appropriately as determined by the GMC should rightly expect protection against such personal attacks.
We call upon the States to provide this reassurance urgently.
Further criticism aimed at Deputy St Pier
Calls to curb 'parliamentary privilege'
"These situations cannot and must not continue"
Medics slam investigation into Deputy St Pier and question process
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