GMC consultation on fitness to practise reforms

23 February 2011

The GMC has proposed major changes to the way it handles cases involving concerns about doctors.

Under the new process doctors could accept sanctions in fitness to practise cases without going to a public hearing; for those doctors who do not accept the sanction proposed by the GMC cases would still be referred for a hearing.

The aim is to deliver a quicker system while still maintaining fairness to doctors and patients, and crucially, this will still be transparent – in every case the outcome, including the nature of the concerns and any sanctions will be published on the GMC website. The consultation document also proposes a more speedy process for dealing with doctors convicted of serious crimes such as murder and rape - the GMC argues that those who have committed such crimes are not fit to be doctors.

In a statement the GMC says: "These changes would represent a major reform of our procedures and we are keen to ensure that all those with an interest in our work have the opportunity to contribute and respond."

View the full document at www.gmc-uk.org/ftpreformconsultation and respond at https://gmc.e-consultation.net/econsult by 11 April 2011, or contact Claire Kilner for more information on ftpconsultation@gmc-uk.org