Having being under the care of a GP at a local practice, who was very confrontational, pushy and agenda driven; I found myself wondering why they were behaving like this.  Why was there not an equal, mutually respectful Doctor/patient relationship developing between us?  Why did I feel on the receiving end of someone elses' agenda and clock constantly?  It created friction.  I noted their tone of voice - it was like facing an opponent.  Why did I feel rushed in to making decisions about my own healthcare?  The Doctors'  overall attitude, behaviour and treatment towards me left me feeling they were not acting in my nor potentially other patients' interests - merely their own.

This appeared the case, as further evidence materialised.

Several complaints went in.

To make matters worse, this GP (during the existing complaints process) was put forward as a LMC member by the practice.  A sneaky move, not in patients interests.

Patients shouldn't be facing an opponent; they should be sitting with a Doctor - one who cares, has empathy and is clear in their role and GP existing partners have a role to play in safegurding patients where concerns are raised amongst their own yet too often they act in their own interests.

This petition recommends that patients look online via search engine to the local LMC committees and see which Doctors at your practice or potential practice reside on the local LMC - their attitude, behaviour towards you will likely be different to that of a non-member.  I say this as LMCs focus and represent GPs - Doctors rights.

However, when GPs are simultaneously involved in both LMCs and their clinical practices, conflicts of interest can arise, egos can flare and boundaries can be blurred; maybe you see the confrontational LMC member in front of you, opposed to a Doctor, who should be taking their time.

In my case (unbeknown to me at the time), the Doctor served on a LMC during a series of complaints about them encompassing many matters - a very complex complaint.  The Doctor later put their input in to later correspondence (using gained LMC knowledge) without addressing the issues they had caused nor the surgery which gave rise to the complaints - this was underhanded and demonstrated a misuse of power - this had consequences for me.

The complaint handler was aware of the Doctors' LMC role, kept that hidden, yet still chose to oppress further.

Call it corruption - this wasn't fair as it not only illustrated a misuse of power as a LMC member when dealing with the complaints, but also undermined the intregity of the surgery.  In later correspondence from the surgery, it even said it 'took advice from the LMC', yet the Doctor in question resided on it!

The problems with potential 'corrupt' Doctors as LMC members':

- they can leverage their institutional authority for personal gain, political positioning

- they can weaponize/suppress the patients complaints process/bury complaints about themselves and their business partners

- they can participate in conflicts of interests, NHS contract negotiations.  This can manifest in self dealing allocations, funding within ICB  by shaping contracts terms to financially favour their own practices or corporate medical syndicates  over smaller, independent practices

- they can undisclose commercial ties, profiting; whilst lobbying the NHS to accept those services

- they can shield a 'toxic workplace' by silencing/bullying practice staff in to making complaints, reporting bullying etc or convince the committee to ignore the grievances

The complaints remains unresolved due to hostility/non apology - the Doctor will not be accountable.  Neither will the surgery for their part.

To make matters worse, LMC leaders, as of May 26, are urging the government to protect GPs/staff from patients who are consistent/persistent in their email complaints; trying to cite it is 'harassment'.  In other words; it sends a message that you, as a genuine patient, with genuine complaints, angry perhaps at injustices, poor treatment; cannot complain for fear of retaliation - but don't be dissuaded - that is simply an intimidation tactic by the surgery/LMC, again favouring Doctors.

It simply reflects how LMCs work against resolving patient complaints.

Patient complaints are genuine (people only complain when absolutely necessary); all too often the responsible person whom the complaint is about doesn't apologise so the complaints never gets resolved; thus fuelling more complaining/tension.

The divided attention between practice and committee responsibilities can also detract from a GP's ability to provide optimal care to their patients.

According to the General Medical Council, doctors are advised to maintain professional boundaries to ensure fair and unbiased medical practices (GMC, 2022). Additionally, a report by the British Medical Association highlighted the need for transparency and distinct separation of duties to protect patient interests and uphold trust within the healthcare system (BMA, 2019).

We propose a review and restructuring of the guidelines governing the roles of GPs on LMCs. 

Potential solutions include establishing independent oversight committees to examine cases for conflicts of interest, ask for annual complaints against members, who reside both on the committee and in a surgery (complaints about them as a member and in general practice); regular audits of committee members' roles, and mandatory conflict-of-interest declarations. 

My experience taught me there was a lack of oversight and disregard for patients - the Doctor shouldn't have been able to get away with this misuse of power nor should the surgery.

By addressing these conflicts/concerns and fostering scrutiny, we create a more transparent, trustworthy, and effective healthcare environment.  It's time we enhance the quality of patient care across the board.

To all stakeholders, professional bodies, and concerned individuals: it is crucial to act now to ensure that healthcare decisions are made in the best interests of patients and practitioners alike.

Please sign and share this petition to call for necessary changes and help us build a more ethical and effective healthcare system for everyone.