Effective Date: 1st May 2024

1. Purpose

At The Mayfield Clinic by Dr Nestor, we are committed to transparency, honesty, and ethical practice in all patient interactions. This Duty of Candor Policy ensures that we openly communicate with patients, colleagues, and regulatory bodies about treatments, risks, complications, and any unintended incidents.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all clinical and non-clinical staff working at The Mayfield Clinic by Dr Nestor including doctors, nurses, aestheticians, administrative staff, and any third-party service providers.

3. Key Principles

• Honesty & Transparency: Patients must receive truthful, clear, and timely information regarding their treatment and care.
• Disclosure of Incidents: If something goes wrong that causes harm or distress, the patient must be informed promptly, with a full explanation and an apology where appropriate.
• Support & Resolution: Patients should be offered support, reassurance, and a clear explanation of the steps being taken to address the issue.
• Documentation: All incidents and communications related to the duty of candor must be properly recorded in the patient’s medical records.
• Compliance with Regulations: The clinic will adhere to all legal and professional guidelines, including those set by the General Medical Council (GMC) and Health Improvement Scotland (HIS).

4. Procedures

• Identifying an Incident: If a patient experiences unintended harm, the issue must be reported immediately to the Clinic Director or Compliance Officer.
• Communication with the Patient: The patient (or their guardian) must be informed as soon as possible, with a factual explanation and an opportunity to ask questions.
• Offering an Apology: A sincere, empathetic apology should be given. This is not an admission of liability but a recognition of the patient’s experience.
• Taking Corrective Action: The clinic must investigate the cause, implement necessary changes, and prevent recurrence.
• Maintaining Records: All discussions, findings, and actions must be documented appropriately.

5. Responsibilities

• Clinic Director: Ensures compliance with the policy and oversees any required training.
• Medical & Aesthetic Staff: Follow the duty of candor procedures and report any concerns.
• Administrative & Support Staff: Assist in documentation and patient communication where necessary.

6. Review & Updates

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect regulatory changes and best practices.
This policy will be reviewed annually by the Clinic Director.

View our Annual Duty of Candor Report – Duty of Candour Annual Report February 2025