Ethics and Q&A

A bit of a grand title, but what happens when we get a question that has potentially very serious consequences? We had one yesterday. The question:

"A friend presenting with raised ESR, spontaneous bruising and temporal arteritis - any ideas, please? Awaiting haemo consult which could be two months hence."

I saw it and initially was unhappy as it was about the persons friend. So I asked our medical director for his view. Well, he felt it could be a medical emergency (especially as the GP seemed to have a two month timescale). Apperently, in TA there is a danger of blindness unless suitably managed.

The dilemma we had was how directive we should be? Our answer can be seen by clicking here. I also sent a separate, private e-mail, to the GP reinforcing the need to take this seriously.

I wonder if we'll hear any feedback from the GP!