An Adjudication Panel was convened on 13th July 2009 to hear a complaint brought against Ms. Alex Christie RSHom.
The panel found Ms. Alex Christie to have breached the Code of Ethics and Practice in respect of:
Para 6. It is important that patients are given information in a way that they can fully understand, and for all matters that concern them to be clearly explained.
Working to clear contracts: Para 8. Homeopaths practise with integrity and competence any skills other than homeopathy as they think appropriate, in the course of treatment. Prior to the first appointment, they shall make it clear to the patient concerned the nature of the treatment offered and indicate their relevant qualifications, membership of registering body and adherence to separate code of conduct for practice of such skills.
Avoiding Harm- Monitoring Competence: Para 12. Homeopaths are responsible for monitoring their competence and becoming aware of the necessity to consult with colleagues or to refer a patient to a suitably qualified and experienced practitioner.
Provision of Treatment: Para 22. When dealing with cases of a serious and possibly terminal nature, ensure that the patient is fully aware of the advisability of keeping their GP informed of their condition. Where possible and appropriate, ask the patient’s permission to write to their GP concerning progress.
Monitoring Competence:
Para 27. A competent homeopath identifies those occasions when a patient’s condition is:
- Beyond the present limits of their clinical competence and expertise
- Likely to receive more immediate, effective benefit from another form of treatment
- Showing signs and symptoms suggestive of an underlying condition which requires referral for investigation and other medical diagnosis
Para 29. In that case the homeopath may provide the patient with sources of further information in order to encourage informed choice, and/or refer the case formally to another homeopath or other health care professional.
Patient Records: Para 35 All case notes should be clear and legible, and contain all the relevant information relating to the progress of the case. They shall enable a third party to have an understanding of the patient’s state at the time of a consultation; whether the patient has improved, maintained, or deteriorated in their condition since they were last seen. This is particularly important where the homeopath recognises the possibility of legal proceedings for e.g child protection, medical neglect, or malpractice issues.
Publicity and Advertising: Para 48. All advertisements should conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice.
Legal Obligations: Para 72 – To avoid making claims (whether explicit or implied; orally or in writing) implying cure of any named disease.
The Panel recommended to the Board of The Society of Homeopaths that Alex Christie be expelled from The Society with immediate effect. The Board ratified the recommendation of the Panel to be effective from the 6th August 2009.
An Adjudication Panel was held on the 13th February 2008 to hear a complaint brought against Mr. David Evans RSHom 23 Wibraham Road, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6FG
The Panel found Mr. Evans to have breached the Code of Ethics and Practice in respect of:
Central Principles 2: Homeopaths practise their profession with integrity and dignity, being guided by ethical principles which inform their conduct towards, and care of, their patient.
Central Principles 3: Homeopaths owe a duty of care to patients and have regard for their wishes.
Central Principles 4: Homeopaths maintain the customary practice of keeping confidential all that the patient says, and all that is written in their case notes.
Including Para 77: To avoid disclosing any information concerning a patient to a third party without the patient’s written consent.
Para 81: Where contact is initiated by a member of the patient’s family, or a friend, or other person, to listen carefully to their concerns in an unprejudiced manner and act appropriately, without breaching confidentiality or contradicting the wishes of the patient.
Para 14: Maintaining appropriate boundaries Homeopaths, are responsible for avoiding exploitation of their patients financially, emotionally, sexually; or in any other way.
Para 17: Patients are entitled to a professional standard of practice and care. Essential elements of this are professional competence, good relationships with patients and colleagues, and observance of professional ethical obligations.
Para 35: All case notes shall be clear and contain all relevant information relating to the progress of the case. They shall enable a third party to have an understanding of the patient’s state at time of consultation; whether the patient has improved, maintained or deteriorated in their condition since they were last seen. This is particularly important where the homeopath recognises the possibility of legal proceedings for e.g. child protection, medical neglect, or malpractice issues.
Para 38: Maintenance of appropriate records
Para 49: Clear boundaries are to be observed by all parties to a therapeutic, educational, or supervisory relationship. Any form of emotional, intimate, or sexual encounter (however participants may regard it) is abusive; of the person, of power, and of trust. It is improper, unprofessional conduct not to be undertaken in any circumstances. It is never appropriate to enter into these categories of relationship with patient, student, or supervisee.
Including Para 50: It is a professional duty to avoid putting oneself in such a situation, and avoid any form of behaviour which might be adversely misconstrued.
Para 52: Where a patient, student, or supervisee is expressing feelings towards the homeopath, tutor, or supervisor which cause problems for the maintenance of professional boundaries and the professional- for whatever reason- is unable to resolve the situation in an acceptable manner the professional relationship is to be ended.
The Panel recommended to the Board of The Society of Homeopaths that Mr. David Evans be expelled from The Society with immediate effect. The Board ratified the recommendation of the Panel to be effective from 11th March 2008.