Edyta SZYMCZAK

On 21 December 2022 and 28 December 2022 Dr Szymczak did not physically examine Patient A, failed to record her actions relating to Patient A in the medical record and failed to discuss with Patient A’s next of kin whether or not Patient A should be hospitalised as recorded in her ReSPECT plan. In addition, on 18 September 2023 Dr Szymczak made an entry into Patient A’s medical record, dated 14 December 2022, and did not indicate that this was a retrospective entry. This conduct does not meet with the standards required of a doctor. It risks undermining public protection, specifically patient safety, public confidence in the profession and professional standards and conduct, and it must not be repeated. The required standards are set out in Good medical practice and associated guidance. In this case, paragraphs 6, 7, 37, 69, and 70 of Good medical practice are particularly relevant: 6. Dr Szymczak must provide a good standard of practice and care. If she assesses, diagnoses, or treats patients, she must work in partnership with them to assess their needs and priorities. The investigation or treatment she proposes, provides or arranges must be based on this assessment, and on her clinical judgement about the likely effectiveness of the treatment options. 7. In providing clinical care Dr Szymczak must: a. adequately assess a patient’s condition(s), taking account of their history, including i. symptoms ii. relevant psychological, spiritual, social, economic, and cultural factors iii. the patient’s views, needs, and values b. carry out a physical examination where necessary c. promptly provide (or arrange) suitable advice, investigation or treatment where necessary h. refer a patient to another suitably qualified practitioner when this serves their needs.

37. Dr Szymczak must be considerate and compassionate to those close to a patient and be sensitive and responsive in giving them support and information. She must follow our more detailed guidance on Confidentiality: good practice in handling patient information. 69. Dr Szymczak must make sure that formal records of her work (including patients’ records) are clear, accurate, contemporaneous and legible. 70. Dr Szymczak should take a proportionate approach to the level of detail but patients’ records should usually include: a. relevant clinical findings b. drugs, investigations or treatments proposed, provided or prescribed c. the information shared with patients d. concerns or preferences expressed by the patient that might be relevant to their ongoing care, and whether these were addressed e. information about any reasonable adjustments and communication support preferences f. decisions made, actions agreed (including decisions to take no action) and when/ whether decisions should be reviewed g. who is creating the record and when Whilst this failing in itself is not so serious as to require any restriction on your registration, it is necessary in response to issue this formal warning. This warning will be published on the medical register in line with our publication and disclosure policy, which can be found at www.gmc-uk.org/disclosurepolicy