I was astonished to read that 96 doctors in the UK have died while being investigated by the General Medical Council since 2004. I would suggest at least some of these were suicides, highlighting the huge stress doctors now face.

Being investigated by the GMC following a complaint is a major cause of distress. Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chair of the British Medical Association’s GP committee, told the magazine Pulse that “the entire process” of fitness to practise investigations needed to be reviewed. “It’s the smallest issue that can make a huge difference,” he said.

“We need to look at the entire process, from the tone of letters to the fitness-to-practise hearing.

“Even the wording of a letter can have a dramatic impact on a doctor’s life.”

Most GPs live in fear of a GMC complaint, he said. “There’s a culture of fear. It’s important this review looks at the entire breadth of concerns.”

The GMC has set up a panel to look at these concerns and see how they can better balance their obligation to protect the public with ensuring that doctors under investigation are offered adequate support. Doctors and nurses have a much higher risk of committing suicide than the general population.

In 2011, the GMC carried out 3,465 investigations and suspended 93 doctors. There are many causes of stress in a doctors life, something patients may not realise. Most colleagues say that the work is much more stressful now than a few years ago.

Rising patient expectations with an increase in complaints is one cause, as are the finite resources at our disposal. Over work, stressful clinical situations and pressure from other colleagues are other causes.

I think the NHS needs to first set up a group to study the problem and then implement ways of reducing the stress doctors are under.

After all, a happy doctor is much more likely to provide a high quality care than an unhappy one.


Spinal Support Group date

The first meeting of 2014 of the York spinal support group will be held on Saturday, March 22, at 10am at the York Nuffield Hospital. The meeting is for all patients suffering from spinal problems. Patients who have completed treatment are on hand to speak to those who are waiting for treatment. Patients also have a chance to speak to a consultant.

The atmosphere is relaxed and you don’t have to have seen a specialist to attend. The meeting is free and everyone is welcome. Fear and anxiety about treatment prevent many patients from seeking help and availing themselves of the many options now available to treat disabling back pain.

Many patients describe coming to the meeting as being really useful in their journey to find options for treatment.


Keeping fit? Don’t forget your spine

The good news first. In 2013 the average UK worker took 4.4 days off work, down from 7.2 in 1993. Strict health and safety legislation helped reduce injuries in those doing a manual job.

It is estimated that 31 million days were lost due to back and neck pain and muscle problems. Sitting in an office chair can be bad for the back. This is because there is much more load on the discs in the spine in sitting than in walking or moving about.

It is important to get up and move about regularly throughout the day and have the right chair with a lumbar support. Keeping your spine fit is also key. There is a simple spinal fitness program available on my website www.spinalsurgeon.com

Preventing back pain is far easier than treating it.

Manoj Krishna is a spinal surgeon working at the Nuffield hospital in York. For more information visit www.spinalsurgeon.com