TheatrePracticeStandardsGeneric1

Generic Theatre Standard No 20 - Managing Conscientious Objection
Theatre Staff Objection to Termination of Pregnancy at RCHT
General Considerations
• RCHT facilitates the procedure for surgical Termination of Pregnancy (sTOP), and
recognises there is the potential for staff to action their right of conscientious objection.
• Where practitioners from other specialties are required to provide treatment or assist, it
is the responsibility of the perioperative team lead, for theatre staff, surgeon for
clinician colleagues or anaesthetist for anaesthetic colleagues, to ensure that those
called in are aware of the fact that treatment is of a patient undergoing termination of
pregnancy, and to ensure that such practitioners do not have conscientious objections.
• If a member of staff has expressed a conscientious objection, they will be expected to
participate in all aspects of care for the patient at all times with the exception of
assisting in the technological procedures.
• The member of staff will be allowed to withdraw, just prior to and during the
technological aspect of the patient’s treatment.
• The member of staff will be expected to return to caring for the patient, once the
technological part of the procedure has been completed.
• If a patient undergoing termination of pregnancy requires immediate care and
treatment to prevent serious injury or death, then that care and treatment must be
provided by a practitioner to the best of their ability, even if they have previously made
known a conscientious objection.
• Staff should make their line manager, aware as soon as possible, that they have a
conscientious objection, in writing, and that they intend to action on it.
• Example of written conscientious objection:
I register a conscientious objection to Termination of Pregnancy. I understand RCHT will not
expect me to assist with the technological aspect of the termination of pregnancy
procedure. I will provide, to the best of my ability, any treatment that is required to prevent
serious injury or death of a patient undergoing termination of pregnancy
Name, Post Held, Signature, Date
• This written confirmation will be kept in the staff member’s Personnel file.
• Where members of staff have expressed a conscientious objection and non-urgent
treatment is required for a patient undergoing termination of pregnancy:
• The perioperative team lead, for theatre staff, surgeon for clinician colleagues or
anaesthetist for anaesthetic colleagues, should ensure alternative staff are available to
care for the patient during the technological phase of the termination of pregnancy
procedure.
• It is unacceptable for staff members who action their right to conscientious objection to
endure any discrimination from other members of staff. There is a ‘no tolerance’ stance
by RCHT regarding discrimination.
• Managers and staff should read The Dignity at Work Policy, Procedure and Guidance
(Valid From: 27/06/2012 - To: 12/06/2015) carefully to ensure that they maintain the
standards required and understand the procedures to be adopted when problems
arise.
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