This position statement sets out the formal view of Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Local Medical Committee (LLR LMC) on local pathway variation from national standards. It defines clear principles and red lines to protect patient safety, professional autonomy, and legal accountability within General Practice.
The LMC has become increasingly concerned at various specialist departments wishing to replace nationally developed pathways with local ones. These often are based upon consensus or unpublished evidence. The LMC is concerned that this inappropriately transfers additional work and risk from specialist departments to general practice.
If there is an adverse event or a complaint, bodies like the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, they will assess whether GPs have followed NICE guidelines or not.
The LMC has developed a Position Statement to make it clear that these pathways are unacceptable. GPs should refer in line with national guidelines and ignore any local pathways which deviate from these.
The LLR LMC position statement is available to read in full here.
Any questions regarding the LMC position statement, please contact the LMC office.