Counselling
Mentors should have counselling skills which are necessary for the mentoring process. but the mentor cannot take on a doctor for full time counselling which requires a considerable amount of time and other skills, in such circumstances a trained counsellor should be used.
Befriending at complaint procedures
LMC is better able to take on this role. Mentors may support at normal or crisis meetings.
Medical treatment
Mentors who are GPs may feel that a mentee is unwell. They are not in a position to diagnose and cannot ethically treat. Referral to the mentee’s own GP is obligatory.
Ethics
It is unlikely that a mentee would ask the mentor to do anything unethical but should it happen then it must be turned down and the situation discussed.