RESPECT FOR COLLEAGUES - GUIDELINE

Good patient care is enhanced when there is mutual respect, fairness and clear communication between all health professionals involved in the care of the patient. The following guidance is to ensure that respect and communication among colleagues is maintained.

• Ensure that you enjoy a good relationship with all colleagues in healthcare
• Treat colleagues with respect and fairness.
• Acknowledge the contribution and skill of each health professional
• Ensure that colleagues are not bullied, abused, harassed or discriminated against. Personal beliefs or views held should not prejudice the professional relationship with a colleague
• Refrain from making comments that may needlessly damage the reputation of a colleague
• Respect the views of other colleagues even if they may differ from your own
• Do not make unfounded and malicious criticisms, which might make patients doubt the knowledge or skills of a colleague or undermine their trust in the care or treatment they receive
• Take care not to criticize colleagues in the presence of patients and their relatives, but always keep the patient's interests in view
• Use phrases such as “My preferred treatment in this situation would be....” or “The way I would have done it is...” rather than “ The doctor was wrong/negligent”, where you feel the need to tell the patient if you would have preferred another form of treatment than that is proposed or already given by a colleague
• Where there are concerns relating to the performance, conduct or treatment of a colleague that is placing patients in harm, this matter should be taken up directly with the person involved first. If the desired outcome is not reached, then the matter shall be taken up with the Management.
• You must challenge colleagues if their behaviour does not comply with this guidance.

All staff of the Hospital is expected to comply with this guidance.

February 15, 2012.