Tolerance, Treatment & Review Policy
A good patient-doctor relationship, based on mutual respect and trust, is the cornerstone of excellent patient care for which we pride ourselves. On occasion this relationship may breakdown, for instance there may be extraneous factors which impact negatively on the doctor – patient relationship, and Dr Whitelaw (Equilibrium) may decide that it is in the best interest of the patient that they find an alternative practice.
If a patient refuses to comply with Clinic policies, Dr Whitelaw (Equilibrium) reserves the right to refuse any further treatment to that patient, in the interests of patient safety and/or clinical standards.
Equilibrium’s patient care team (doctor, her personal assistant and mobile phlebotomist) provide a vital role in the overall treatment for patients at the clinic and take great pride in delivering the best possible service. We kindly remind patients to please treat them with the mutual respect they deserve.
No form of abuse (physical, sexual, verbal, emotional) towards any of our staff will be tolerated and will result in the immediate removal from the Clinic’s patient lists.
Please note that the patient is under no obligation to proceed further with treatment at any point. If you are under the care of another healthcare professional for certain conditions, please be aware that Equilibrium may not be able to commence treatment without prior consent of the other healthcare professional. Please also refer to the Equilibrium Clinic’s Cancer Policy.
It is recommended that patients have regular treatment reviews (every 3 to 6 months, either online via video or by telephone). These reviews provide the patient and doctor with the opportunity to discuss how the patient is progressing with the treatment plan and address any questions or concerns. At these reviews the doctor will also advise of any changes to your treatment, if required. Please note that as a minimum you will require a blood test annually.
Please note that as part of our quality of care standards the doctor will need to see the patient face-to-face at least once a year in order to continue treatment. Patients who are returning after two or more years without a review consultation with the doctor will be treated as a new patient and charged accordingly.