The aim of this article is to provide guidance to perioperative practitioners on some of the legal and professional issues associated with their practice. It is anticipated that students and practitioners new to the perioperative environment will find this article can assist them in relating the issues discussed to their own practice. More experienced practitioners can refresh their knowledge of these issues.
DimondB2002The duty of care for oneselfBritish Journal of Midwifery10(12) 767–70
9.
DimondB2008Legal Aspects of Nursing5th EdHarlow, Pearson Education Ltd
10.
Donoghue v Stevenson [1932] AC 562
11.
Health Professions Council2008Standards of conduct, performance and ethicsLondon, HPC
12.
HindM2005Accountability and professional practice In: WoodheadK, WickerP eds A textbook of perioperative careEdinburgh, Elsevier Churchill Livingstone
13.
HughesS2002Law and professional practice: accountability and implicationsBritish Journal of Perioperative Practice12(3) 94–102
14.
Medical Devices Agency2000Use of spirit–based solutions during surgical procedures requiring the use of electrosurgical equipment SN 2000 (17) London, MDA
15.
NHS Litigation Authority2011Key facts about our work Available from www.nhsla.com/home.htm [Accessed January 2012]
16.
NHS Scotland2009a Code of conduct for healthcare support workersEdinburgh, Scottish Government
17.
NHS Scotland2009b Code of practice for employers of healthcare support workers in ScotlandEdinburgh, Scottish Government
18.
Nursing and Midwifery Council2008The Code: Standards of conduct, performance and ethics for nurses and midwivesLondon, NMC
