Staff and Family Enrolment

Policy

Refer to MCNZ: Treating yourself and those close to you for guidance.

The Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) recommends that where possible, clinicians should not diagnose or provide treatment to other staff, themselves, or close friends and family. This is due to the risks of unsafe care and/or conflict of interest.

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We allow staff member's immediate families to enrol or be treated by clinicians at our practice.

Medical practitioners (nurses and clinicians) will not diagnose or provide treatment to family members or themselves at Amberley Medical Centre and will instead refer them to another available clinician.

In urgent situations where there is no reasonable alternative, clinicians may provide medical care to family members or themselves. This care is focused on immediate reduction of harm, with follow-up care done by the person's usual clinician.

Staff or immediate family are charged at the enrolled-patient rates (if enrolled with the practice).

Clinicians should avoid engaging in "corridor consultations" or providing informal opinions, which may compromise continuity of care.

If treating staff or people close to you

We mitigate the risks in situations where care is provided to staff or family members:

• To maintain confidentiality, only staff with a genuine purpose may access the patient's medical record or results.
• Clinicians must provide care as they would with any other patient – take a full history if possible and carry out an appropriate examination.
• Record all details in the PMS.
• Seek advice from peers if there is a risk of compromised judgement.
• Prescribing is subject to normal clinical, ethical, and legal responsibilities.