Doctors tell patient: Say sorry or we will refuse to treat you
Doctors at a Derrry medical centre have told a patient she will be refused treatment there unless the woman apologises for comments made on social media about the practice.
The woman recently posted the comment on Facebook about services at Abbey Medical Practice in the Bogside.
A number of days later, the woman received a letter signed by three of the doctors at the local GP surgery.
The prominent local doctor, Doctor Tom Black, was one of those who signed the letter.
In the letter sent to the woman, who does not wish to be identified, it states that staff at Abbey Medical Practice held a meeting last Monday, August 1, to discuss an ‘exchange which was on public display on social media last month’.
The letter states: “Abbey Medical Practice has a complaints system which is open to all patients and is the proper forum for issues such as those aired in this exchange.
“Abbey Medical Practice has a zero tolerance policy with respect to social media abuse.
“It is clear that your view of the service in Abbey Medical practice is not compatible with your continued registration as a patient.”
The woman is then advised in the letter that if she wishes to continue as a patient, she must send a ‘written apology to the practice’ and make it clear she will refrain from any form of public social media abuse in future.
It concludes by saying this letter would have to be sent within two weeks.
However, the woman and her family have called the correspondence ‘disgraceful’ and insisted they will not be issuing an apology.
She said she will be going to another practice because she ‘is fed up with it now’.
The woman’s ex-partner, who has children with her, told the Derry News: “It’s a complete disgrace that they think they can intimidate people; because it is an ultimatum telling someone to offer an apology.
“What happened to freedom of speech?
“It’s an absolute joke. They think they’re high and mighty.”
He added: “You have to phone up and explain to a receptionist what’s wrong with you and they will get the doctor to ring back, but you have to wait days for them to call back and they expect you to drop everything and come running to them, but it’s not as simple as that for most people.
“It used to take three weeks to get an appointment but now you’re lucky if you get one in that time.
“But, instead of admitting that it’s not working they are telling people to issue an apology.”
The Abbey Medical Practice told the Derry News staff were unable to comment on issues regarding their own patients for reasons of confidentiality.
However, Dr. Martin McCloskey, Local Medical Committee Secretary, is permitted to speak on behalf of all medical practices in the city, and he said he supported the stance taken by Abbey Medical Practice.
“All practices have leaflets, which state there is a policy of zero tolerance for abuse, which extends to social media.
“It’s really simple, whatever issue there is, all practices have a complaints procedure and if anyone has an issue they should speak to the practice.
“If that isn’t enough they can then make an official complaint. If needs be, the matter can be escalated, before going on social media.”
Doctor McCloskey added: “Obviously patients are entitled to their opinion and free speech. But they should realise that it has to be a two-way thing. Patients would object if a doctor spoke about them on social media.
“If they don’t speak with respect and are so unhappy with their care then they should consider changing to a different practice of which there are 15 in Derry.”