Over time, I have realised that doctors face the dire end of double standards in many aspects. I'm sure it occurs in other industries too, but whilst doctors are upstanding professionals of society, I picture a Biblical canvas portraying the Israelite slaves against the Egyptian Pharaohs.
I can disclose many examples, those occuring with me and those occuring with my colleagues, but two that stick in mind I will share.
The medicinal cult I've grown up in favours being proactive and efficient, and such behaviour is expected of me. However, when dealing with the administrative staff, this behavior doesn't exist.
Example 1.
During an ENT rotation, the bulb from the scope light box had blown and was "in repair" with the engineers for two months, rendering the team unable to perform fibreoptic nasendoscopy whilst on-call: a daily task to diagnose laryngeal pathology. Many emails to Purchasing were sent, who took their time to reply that the bulb was on "back order." Eventually, due to risk of clinical harm, matters were taking in the hands of the Doctors. One doctor phoned the Bulb Company to ask the current status of the order; the company stated the Hospital hadn't paid their last invoice so they won't be supplying. So the doctor spoke to Purchasing department again, who was then deferred to the Finance department and told the bill has been paid. They instructed the doctor to call the Bulb Company back. Ridiculous! Suddenly, a doctor is taking on the role of the Purchasing/Finance department.
So quite rightly, the Doctor refused and demanded the pen-pushers in Finance to phone the Bulb Company themselves and explain the situation so that the Hospital is no longer blacklisted.
Example 2.
A surgical trainee recently went on an ATLS Course, and as such, submitted a Study reimbursement of the fees. ATLS is not cheap! However, given that the course was in the last month of his employment with the Hospital, it turns out that the reimbursement will be void since he'll be no longer on the payroll. When questioned, it turns out this is a "common problem."
I find it increasingly frustrating that we on a daily basis have to abide by the GMC Good Medical Practice or face a public shaming and being struck off the register. However, when it comes to measly administrators, their incompetence is overlooked.
Clearly, the problems with the NHS weigh more on the non-clinical staff that support it. Ironically, a manager said to me this week "If you pay peanuts...well, you know what you get!"
I find it increasingly frustrating that we on a daily basis have to abide by the GMC Good Medical Practice or face a public shaming and being struck off the register. However, when it comes to measly administrators, their incompetence is overlooked.
Clearly, the problems with the NHS weigh more on the non-clinical staff that support it. Ironically, a manager said to me this week "If you pay peanuts...well, you know what you get!"
