“I’m one of the nurses here — could you just quickly prescribe me some antibiotics/sleeping tablets without making a big fuss or recording it? I’d rather it stayed private”

A colleague or member of staff requesting INFORMAL, "off-the-record", unrecorded treatment raises clear PROFESSIONALISM issues. GMC Good medical practice (2024) is to avoid, wherever possible, providing medical care to people with whom you have a close personal relationship (a colleague is not automatically one), and GMC prescribing guidance (2021) is never to prescribe without an adequate assessment or without keeping adequate RECORDS — "corridor consultations" and off-the-record prescriptions are not acceptable. Treat a colleague as you would any patient: a proper consultation (history/examination as needed), the same prescribing standards and stewardship (antibiotics only if indicated — NICE NG120 acute cough, NICE NG250 if pneumonia suspected), and full documentation in their records — do not cut corners or omit records because they are staff, as this compromises patient safety and governance. Maintain appropriate confidentiality and boundaries: the colleague is entitled to the same confidentiality as any patient (and practice colleagues should not access their records without legitimate cause — reassure them about access controls), but confidentiality means proper, access-controlled records, not hidden or unrecorded care, and the dual relationship (the GP may also be her employer) must be managed sensitively. Explain kindly why informal/unrecorded prescribing is not possible — patient safety, governance, fairness and professional duties — without being dismissive, and offer a proper alternative: book a proper appointment and, ideally, encourage the colleague to be registered with and see their OWN GP, particularly for ongoing or sensitive issues. Be alert to underlying issues — stress/burnout, low mood and self-harm (ask directly), alcohol, and especially requests for sleeping tablets (zopiclone and zolpidem are Schedule 4 Part 1 controlled drugs; NICE TA77 short-term use only; NICE NG215 dependence) or signs of dependence/self-treatment — and address these supportively; she can self-certify for up to 7 days if she needs time off. The skill is upholding professional boundaries (no informal/unrecorded prescribing), explaining kindly, ensuring proper care and confidentiality, and signposting appropriate registration/care.