Question

A 45 year old nurse notices that a senior colleague regularly arrives for night shifts smelling strongly of alcohol and appearing unsteady, though no specific incident has yet occurred. She is worried about patient safety but fears repercussions. According to GMC guidance on raising concerns, what should she do?

Accepted Answer

Raise her concerns through local procedures to a manager or responsible officer, documenting her observations, and seek advice if needed

Answer

Ignore the situation as no patient has yet come to harm

Answer

Confront the colleague aggressively in front of patients

Answer

Post anonymously about her concerns on social media

Answer

Inform the press to expose the issue

Practice question