Comments from patients on the NHS website, social media and other similar sites can sometimes be inaccurate, unfair or inappropriate, which can potentially damage an organisation or staff member’s reputation.

If the patient can be identified it is often useful to have a conversation with them regarding their behaviour online, if appropriate. The LMC guidance covers warnings to patients & removal criteria.

Removing patients from your list of registered patients

The BMA & Government guidance sets out how health service providers can take steps to have defamatory material removed.

Dealing with unfair online comments as a GP practice (bma.org.uk)

Complaints about defamatory material posted on websites: Guidance on Section 5 of the Defamation Act 2013 and Regulations (publishing.service.gov.uk)