Can my psychologist accept a gift?

alaskayoung

I'm seeing a psychologist through the HSE and am wondering if she's allowed to accept presents from her patients? I've heard different answers. Does it make a difference if they are employed privately or through the HSE?

alaskayoung

alaskayoung wrote: »

I'm seeing a psychologist through the HSE and am wondering if she's allowed to accept presents from her patients? I've heard different answers. Does it make a difference if they are employed privately or through the HSE?

You see alot of cases where sportspeople give a present of signed jerseys/hurleys/balls etc to surgeons as a thank you for the surgery.

If the present is a relatively small present (voucher, etc) which would be interpreted as a mere token of appreciation then I would doubt that would be frowned upon. It is only in a situation where the gift is deemed inappropriate and/or of relative value that ethics come into question although that is just my assumption rather than actual fact of the matter.

hargo

Woo Hoo, My wife is a psychologist with the HSE but she says its not really appropriate but I do like a bottle of red wine!
A thank you card is always nice.

JuliusCaesar

Gifts of small monetary value are ok - box of chocolates, bottle of wine etc. But we do like a 'thanks' card!

alaskayoung

Thank you everyone for your advice