I have been a GP for over 20 years. Two years ago I referred myself to the GMC after realising that I had failed to maintain an appropriate professional boundary with a patient. My fitness to practise was found to be impaired. I have been allowed to continue working but with conditions placed upon my practice, which include regular clinical supervision and a requirement to demonstrate my learning.
‘Patient A’ had a history of significant childhood trauma. She would tell me what a good doctor I was — how nobody had tried so hard for her before and how lucky my patients were to have me as their GP. She would often self-harm and share fears that her abusers would re-appear. I unwisely decided to share my personal contact details, telling her that if she needed help in a crisis she could ring me.
I replied whenever she …