Is it right for GPs to introduce religion into medical consultations?

naomi24 | 10:43 Sun 13th May 2012 | Religion & Spirituality

71 Answers

I’ve just been watching The Big Questions on BBC1 in which GP Dr Richard Scott participated. Following a complaint from a patient who felt that the doctor, by recommending Christianity to him, had belittled his own faith, an investigation was conducted by the GMC, whose rules state that doctors are not allowed to impose personal or religious beliefs on patients. Nevertheless, Dr Scott maintained on the programme that it is acceptable to introduce his religion to his patients.

The surgery is run by six Christian doctors and its website states:

//The Partners feel that the offer of talking to you on spiritual matters is of great benefit. If you do not wish this, that is your right and will not affect your medical care.

Please tell the doctor (or drop a note to the Practice Manager) if you do not wish to speak on matters of faith.//

….. which would appear to suggest that the subject of religion will be introduced into medical consultations unless the patient specifically requests otherwise.

http://www.bethesdamc.co.uk/about_us.html

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boxtops

Beso - I agree

beso

keyplus //Many fallen in the streets of the city centres at night, many driving and killing themselves and others, and many wasting time and money of the emergency services did believe that [some alcohol is good ]too. //

You are neglecting the fact that the vast majority of people who drink alcohol do so responsibly without any problems. Islam in its usual "one rule for everyone" fascist attiude would deny all because of the effect on some.

We also know that religion makes some people violent. Should we ban that for all too because of the effect it has on some?

rozia

No, its not right. They have a duty of care, no matter what their religion, they need to leave that at home when at work as a professional. I agree with em, i would also find another GP if mine went on about religion. I strongly believe, that everyone has a right to have their own beliefs, as long as they do not impose them on others.

naomi24

Question Author

Keyplus, strange that you defend anything that anyone of religion does - even if you think his religion is wrong.

-- answer removed --

WaldoMcFroog

Keyplus, look up "Slippery Slope Fallacy". You use it rather a lot.

naomi24

Question Author

Birdie, yes, indeed. It comes from all quarters.

Truthabounds

Everyone has the right to choose their GP. If they feel he/she is not the one for them then they change. In this instance the Dr said //The Partners feel that the offer of talking to you on spiritual matters is of great benefit. If you do not wish this, that is your right and will not affect your medical care.

Please tell the doctor (or drop a note to the Practice Manager) if you do not wish to speak on matters of faith.//

Then if that is how you feel, do so. They are not forcing you to listen they have given their patients the choice. So Choose.

Just as God has given us the choice we can choose whether to listen and obey, or not listen and suffer the consequences. So choose.

naomi24

Question Author

Truthabounds, when I go to see my doctor I go for medical advice. It’s not good enough to say ‘choose. These people have no business bothering patients with their religion and I shouldn’t be obliged to ‘choose’.