Having being under the care of a GP at a local practice, who I perceived as very confrontational, pushy and agenda driven; I found myself wondering why she appeared 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 her tone of voice - it was like facing an opponent.  Why did I feel rushed in to making decisions about my own healthcare?  Her overall attitude, behaviour and treatment towards me left me feeling she was not acting in my nor potentially other patients' interests - merely her own.

Several complaints went in.

This GP (during the complaints) was put forward as a LMC member by the practice.  

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.

This petition rcommends 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 her encompassing many matters - a very complex complaint.  She later put her input in to later correspondence (using her LMC knowledge) without addressing the issues she had caused which gave rise to the complaint - this was underhanded. 

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

The complaint remains unresolved - the Doctor will not be accountable.

The divided attention between practice and committee responsibilities can 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, 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 - she shouldn't have been able to get away with this misuse of power nor should the surgery.

By addressing these conflicts, 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.