Bộ luật ứng xử chuyên nghiệp cho các khách y tá, nữ hộ sinh và Y tế (UKCC 1992:1) nói rằng 'khách truy cập một y tá, nữ hộ sinh hoặc y tế, bạn có trách nhiệm cá nhân hành nghề của bạn . "và nêu rõ điều này nên được thực hiện. Trách nhiệm áp dụng cho tất cả các khía cạnh thực hành, trong đó các chuyên nghiệp làm cho bản án và có hành động như là một kết quả | 168 EXAMINATION OF THE NEWBORN practitioners to develop clinical skills in this aspect of their role. Where deviations from normal do occur the practitioners must refer to an appropriate practitioner UKCC 1998 . The Code of Professional Conduct for the Nurse Midwife and Health Visitor UKCC 1992 1 states that as a registered nurse midwife or health visitor you are personally accountable for your practice. and clearly states how this should be exercised. Accountability applies to all aspects of practice in which the professional makes judgements and takes action as a result of those judgements for example giving analgesia to a patient in pain. The professional is answerable for the actions taken and these should always seek to promote the interests of the individual patient and the public in general. A professional should always be able to justify any action taken. The midwife is further guided by the Midwives rules and code of Practice UKCC 1998 which defines her role and remit of practice. Doctors must also recognise their professional accountability and in the UK this has been redefined and presented in the government s white paper The New NHS Modern Dependable DOH 1997 . This document introduced the concept of Clinical Governance through which trusts have a responsibility to ensure quality of clinical care through the implementation of risk management systems evidence-based practice lifelong learning and the systematic audit of clinical performance. Such activities are no longer optional but mandatory. Legal accountability Professionals involved in the care of patients have a legal duty to care for them properly that is to the standard of a reasonable competent member of that profession the Bolam test . Failure to do so could result in a patient suing for compensation. In order for a person suing for compensation the plaintiff to be awarded damages in respect of negligent care it is their responsibility to demonstrate all of the following The defendant owed a .
