GPs are being ‘bombarded’ with messages to their mobile, email, Twitter or Facebook accounts from infatuated patients, said the MDU.
The defence union said the number of enquiries it received from doctors after being on the receiving end of patients making amorous advances had risen to 100 in the last five years compared to 73 cases from 2002 to 2006.
GPs, psychiatrists and gynaecologists were among those most commonly approached by patients wanting a relationship. Some 72 of the 100 cases on the MDU’s files were GPs, and almost three quarters of those receiving unwanted advances were men.
In one case handled by the MDU, a GP was accused of having a sexual relationship with a patient who sent letters and gifts, before the patient, who submitted a complaint to the GMC, admitted this was a fabrication following a six-month-long investigation.
Dr Claire Macaulay, MDU medico-legal adviser said while in the past patients might send letters, now they are likely to send a text or ‘poke’ a GP on Facebook.
She said: The trend towards patients making unsolicited advances to their doctor is not a new one. But while in the past patients were likely to put pen to paper when making such approaches, patients are now using digital means.’
She added that being contacted in this way can be more intrusive than more traditional forms of communication:
Editorial comment. It's a tough job being a medic eh ! Think of the dosh lads !
Eddie
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