Doctors and nurses can refuse to provide care for people on religious grounds but it doesn't stop a patient getting treatment and care. For example a Roman Catholic GP can refuse to refer a woman for termination of pregnancy, there are some GPs round these parts who would refuse that referral but there are other GPs and ways of getting a referral. For the same reason doctors and nurses can conscientiously object to be within the operating theatre during a termination but.......they cannot refuse to provide post operative care for that patient.
Health Trusts and GPs can also refuse to provide care for any patient who has been violent or abusive on their premesis. In the case of hospitals the patient will receive a written warning and possibly a home visit by the security personnel and the police. If a hospital refuses to provide care it is the patient's responsibility to seek care elsewhere. This has come about fairly recently due to attacks on health staff by patients and visitors whilst doing their jobs. If you think that this kind of thing doesn't happen then think again.... It happened to me a fortnight ago..
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Never put off until tomorrow what you can avoid altogether.
The views expressed here are my own and not necessarily those of my family, friends, employer, this site, my neighbours, hairdresser, dentist, GP, next door's dog or anyone else who knows me..
