Beaumont introduces new code of conduct governing gifts

Hospitality: A new code of conduct introduced by Beaumont Hospital in Dublin will seek to restrict gifts and hospitality which staff can accept from suppliers and contractors.

The code allows staff to accept unsolicited gifts of "small intrinsic value". It defines such items as diaries, calendars or bottles of wine or spirits.

"In all other cases the gift should be returned to the sender with a note advising that acceptance would be contrary to hospital policy," it says.

It also requires staff who accept gifts from suppliers or contractors to inform their superiors.

The code also allows staff to accept what it calls "modest hospitality". It says that this could include meals or invitations to sporting events or golf outings.

Such invitations can be accepted provided "the number of hospital staff availing of the hospitality is kept to a minimum, the invitations include minimal travel or overnight accommodation and that availing of the hospitality does not confer on a particular supplier or contractor any commercial advantage in business arrangements with the hospital".

The guidelines also maintain that any sponsorship requested has to be consistent with the hospital's aims. It stipulates that there can be "no positive gain, financial or otherwise, to be had on behalf of the individual seeking sponsorship".

The tone of the Beaumont code in this area is in keeping with Medical Council guidelines which suggest that it would be unethical for a doctor to be influenced in determining particular medication or therapies for patients on the basis of any financial interest they may personally receive.

The council guidelines say non-promotional or educational grants are the only acceptable mechanism for financial support by the pharmaceutical or medical manufacturing industry for individual doctors.

However, internationally, concerns have been raised on a number of occasions regarding the influence companies can have over staff in the health services. In June 2003, the British Medical Journal published international research findings expressing concern that doctors could be unduly influenced in prescribing by the pharmaceutical industry.

Some findings raised questions about free gifts provided by companies as well as the provision of funding for medical education events and conferences.

A Beaumont Hospital spokesman said last night that both the Medical Executive and the board of governors had signed off on the code.

The code also maintains that publication or communication of any matter concerning the organisation's general operation should initially have the chief executive's approval.

"Therefore, staff who intend engaging with the media must discuss this in advance with their line manager or head of department," it states.

The code acknowledges that doctors have a professional duty to advocate on behalf of their patients. However, it states that "consultant staff who intend engaging with the media must consider the effect such statements will have on the reputation of the hospital".

The Irish Hospital Consultants Association deputy chief executive, Donal Duffy, said yesterday that "consultants had an ethical duty to advocate on behalf of their patients and that if this meant criticising the institution or hospital in which they worked, then so be it".