15. Accepting posts

 

      If you have formally accepted any post, including a locum post, you must not then withdraw unless the employer will have time to make other arrangements.

GMC Good Medical Practice, paragraph 36

General practitioners understand more than most doctors the importance of continuity of care and of access to primary care services for all patients. Once accepted, you must never compromise service to patients by withdrawing from a post until alternative arrangements can be made. Likewise, if you engage someone’s services, you should not subsequently unilaterally cancel the arrangement.

The excellent GP
- provides the care that he or she has agreed to provide

The unacceptable GP
- holds no personal responsibility for care that he or she has agreed to provide