Doctors’ rulebook reveals ‘zero tolerance’ sexual harassment policy for first time
DOCTORS have had a “zero tolerance” sexual harassment warning added to the General Medical Council rulebook for the first time.
The GMC, which has the power to strip unruly docs of their licences, updated its handbook for the first time in a decade to add the lines.
It said medics must not be verbally or physically sexual towards a colleague or send them explicit messages, pictures or videos.
They should also not “act in a sexual way” towards patients, with guidance already forbidding them from chasing “improper” relationships.
Doctors are also obliged to speak up or act if they see someone else being inappropriate, the “Good Medical Practice” leaflet said.
Professor Dame Carrie MacEwen, chair of the GMC, said: “Sexual harassment, bullying and discrimination are entirely unacceptable.
“As a regulator, it is important we leave no doubt that such behaviour has no place in our health services.”
Reports have found sexism and harassment are rife in the NHS.
A British Medical Association survey last year found more than 25 per cent of female members have experienced verbal sexism from a doctor.
And one in eight – 13.2 per cent – had “unwanted physical conduct” from a doctor.
A review of the Royal College of Nursing also found an “inappropriate sexual culture” and it banned booze at its conference this year to deter antics.
Around three quarters of NHS staff are women – 77 per cent in 2019 – while men are more likely to be senior doctors.
The new lines in the GMC’s updated standard said: “You must not act in a sexual way towards colleagues with the effect or purpose of causing offence, embarrassment, humiliation or distress.”
Dame Carrie added: “We heard from thousands of doctors, patients and members of the public during this consultation.
“Good Medical Practice must be a catalyst for creating supportive workplaces that will benefit patients as well as doctors.”