Life on the ground #1 - Who pays for vomit damage? 🤢

Recently we heard a story of a patient visiting a GP practice for an non urgent orthopaedic matter.

Upon arrival (and prior to presenting to staff), the patient vomited in a communal part of the building - a space shared with other businesses.

With vomit still on their clothes, the patient then presented to the Doctor.

The Doctor briefly consulted with the patient, and they agreed that they reschedule to the following day, given the non-urgent nature of the appointment, and given the vomiting.

The communal area required professional cleaning, the cost of which the practice felt should be passed on to the patient.

However, the patient refused to pay the cleaning charges, and complained at the practice’s lack of care in the situation.