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10 Appendices

member. Generally speaking, a patient should be stabilised

in the port of incident and treated in his own country for
ongoing care and not long term in the port of incident.

Unnecessary and costly investigations should also be

avoided, and doctors reassured that stabilisation is their
goal and not long-term care. The Club has excellent advice

regarding suitable facilities in the countries that seafarers

come from, and if facilities are not available there then
alternative arrangements can be made.

Conclusion

It is prudent to have consent to release documents to be signed by the patient (or next of kin) in the irst instance, and if
dificulty is still encountered, then the Club’s medical adviser should be appointed, to obtain the necessary information and

handle in accordance with his own professional code of ethics.

• Obtain the consent to release information about the patient himself (or the next of kin if he is not able).
• The patient signs a declaration that he has no objection to the passing of information to speciied parties, which may

include the correspondent, shipowner, the Club or their medical advisor.

• If a seafarer refuses to follow medical advice, it is very important that this is documented and is brought to the member’s/
Club’s attention immediately.

• If seafarers request an alternative treatment to that recommended by the doctor, this should be carefully considered and

brought to the Club’s attention.
• Treatment must also be in keeping with terms of the Club for reimbursement to the member. Generally speaking, a patient

should be stabilised in the port of incident and treated in his own country for ongoing care and not long term in the port of

incident.
• Unnecessary and costly investigations should also be avoided, and doctors reassured that stabilisation is their goal and not

long-term care.

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