GMC finds proposals to improve patient safety has strong support

A major consultation has found that there is strong support for recommendations to handle the minority of doctors who cause patients harm or put them at significant risk.

Over 2,000 people answered the consultation, including patients, doctors and other health service professionals.

The GMC had consulted with the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Services (MPTS) who determine which consequences should be faced by doctors when they are considered to be a risk to patients or have put at risk the reputation of the profession.

There was astounding support for the striking off of doctors from the register following predatory behaviour.

The discussion also found that:

• 78% were of the opinion that more serious action should be taken in cases that involved sexual harassment, physical violence and bullying towards colleagues and patients.

• 61% endorsed stronger action in cases where a doctor discriminates against health professionals or patients.

• 79% agreed that a mitigating factor should be the stage of a doctor’s career when considering action to be taken.

New guidance will be published in the summer by the GMC for MPTS fitness to practice panels, to reflect on the consultation.

Chief Executive of the GMC, Niall Dickson, said “The vast majority of doctors provide safe and compassionate care and continue to deserve the trust and respect that the public continues to have for the medical profession. There are more than a quarter of a million doctors in the UK and very few are ever subject to a sanction. This consultation is about how we deal with that small minority.

“The overwhelming response to the consultation, and the strong support for the proposals, will help us produce better guidance to protect patients and uphold public confidence in the good doctors who are providing effective, compassionate and safe care every day.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in Medical negligence compensation claims, and have obtained substantial compensation for our clients. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

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Posted by Karen Motley, Paralegal, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (karenmotley@chadlaw.co.uk ), Medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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