So, coming back to the medical board and it's members constantly harping over any impending change to the composition of said board (over non-medical members), I wonder whether they'd consider the fact that as a self regulated body, they have failed dismally over the past several DECADES to inspire confidence of any sort in ... well, anyone.
I recall several months ago, a huge 'debate' between Drs Bartholomew and Furlonge over the latter treating AIDS patients when he is in fact, a dermatologist. The 'debate' raged in the newspapers, in correspondence between the two parties then extending to said medical board, who, like Jack Horner, just sat in a corner. The medical board is led by a doctor whose specialist qualifications are in dispute.
A patient forced to go to court over compensation for a surgeon leaving gauze inside her abdomen.
These are just recent, and glaring examples.
But in the longer term, coming down through the decades, we have DMO's posted to health centres - turning up late, working for 1/2 hour and charging for services, then referring the patients to their private medical practice for treatment.
No signs that the medical board would notice this situation, much less act upon it.
First things first. Let all DMOs be prevented from private practice, and work their hours of 8 AM to 4 PM at all health centres. This would create a working primary care service where patients would only be referred to the hospitals when the primary care is inadequate.
DMOs should not be charging for services at this point. Sick leave certificates, insurance forms, etc should be the responsibility of the doctor on duty and should become part of his duties.
The RHAs are top heavy with managers, most incompetent in their jobs, and with ridiculously high salaries for such non-performers.I recall several months ago, a huge 'debate' between Drs Bartholomew and Furlonge over the latter treating AIDS patients when he is in fact, a dermatologist. The 'debate' raged in the newspapers, in correspondence between the two parties then extending to said medical board, who, like Jack Horner, just sat in a corner. The medical board is led by a doctor whose specialist qualifications are in dispute.
A patient forced to go to court over compensation for a surgeon leaving gauze inside her abdomen.
These are just recent, and glaring examples.
But in the longer term, coming down through the decades, we have DMO's posted to health centres - turning up late, working for 1/2 hour and charging for services, then referring the patients to their private medical practice for treatment.
No signs that the medical board would notice this situation, much less act upon it.
First things first. Let all DMOs be prevented from private practice, and work their hours of 8 AM to 4 PM at all health centres. This would create a working primary care service where patients would only be referred to the hospitals when the primary care is inadequate.
DMOs should not be charging for services at this point. Sick leave certificates, insurance forms, etc should be the responsibility of the doctor on duty and should become part of his duties.
The issues that the medical board should be addressing... are basic ones. Bitching about who sits on the board is the least of the problems.
