Virtual tools for GMC hearing participants

16 February 2010

A new initiative has been launched to provide more support for those attending a GMC hearing into a doctor’s fitness to practise.

The GMC has launched an online hearing room to allow patients, witnesses and doctors to take a virtual step inside a hearing. The site includes virtual versions of all those who might attend a hearing, such as lay and medical members of the panel. All 12 of these characters can be clicked on for an explanation of what role they play in a hearing. The site also shows the reception area and waiting rooms for witnesses and doctors so that anyone attending a hearing can arrive feeling more comfortable with their surroundings.

The GMC is also launching a project to support vulnerable witnesses. This will allow witnesses to come into the GMC’s buildings in advance of the hearing and be shown around. They can also ask to be joined by an independent ‘friend,’ assigned on the day of the hearing, to provide support. The project builds on an existing section for witnesses on the GMC website with photos of the building and information about the processes which they can expect.

In addition the GMC has launched the Information for doctors initiative. This involves the online provision of information to doctors whose cases are due to be considered by fitness to practise panel, as well as a booklet about what to expect at a hearing.