UPDATE to MRI scans being requested in a GP's name

Following a "discussion" on MRIs being requested by audiology in the GP's name at PLTS on 16/10/25, Morgannwg LMC has written a formal complaint on behalf of the constituents regarding the conduct of a recent presentation concerning MRI scans being requested in the name of General Practitioners.

Several constituents attempted to submit legitimate questions and concerns via the moderated discussion platform. We are profoundly disappointed to report that these attempts at open discussion were actively censored. Numerous submissions from our members, including key questions highlighting that this requesting pathway appears to contravene established General Medical Council (GMC) guidance that clinicians should not request investigations using another clinicians name, were neither published for general viewing nor put to the presenters for a response. If a similar request was made of secondary care consultants to authorise other persons to request investigations in their name, we would expect them to have similar concerns. Several constituents also felt that it was incorrect to suggest that mastoid abnormalities and vascular abnormalities impinging on the 8th nerve are "incidental" findings in a scan requested for a patient with ear symptoms to regard them as such raises concerns regarding the capabilities of those reporting the scans, concerns which, again, they were unable to raise for discussion. 

Morgannwg LMC had previously encouraged its constituent GPs to ensure that all outstanding professional concerns regarding this pathway were robustly discussed at this forum and discussions with the Health Board led us to believe that there would be the opportunity to do so on 16/10/25. The failure of the moderator to allow any opportunity for these critical points to be addressed is unacceptable and undermines the spirit of collaboration and transparency required between primary and secondary care services.

Our concerns which remain outstanding and are summised on our website at: https://www.morgannwglmc.org.uk/post/mri-scans-being-requested-in-gp-s-name .We strongly urge practices to consider these ethical and professional matters when engaging with the pathway as it has been described. It is the view of Morgannwg LMC that the pathway is unlikely to be withdrawn completely as it is regarded as a success by the Health Board, despite the gap in commissioning ths service which has resulted in this demand for MRI scans to be requested by audiology in the name of the GP,  and reduces the workload for the ENT department.

We have requested a formal explanation from the Health Board as to why legitimate questions relating to professional guidance were censored, and what steps will be taken to ensure open and honest dialogue on contentious clinical pathways moving forward.

We would very much welcome feedback regarding this issue so please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or queries.