Catto and Mathewson appointed MDDUS 'special advisers'

28 June 2010

MDDUS is pleased to announce that former GDC Chair, Mr Hew Mathewson, and former GMC Chair, Professor Sir Graeme Catto, have been appointed as honorary special advisers to the Union.

Both Mr Mathewson and Sir Graeme will provide guidance on specific regulatory issues and also on the future direction of MDDUS.

Professor Gordon Dickson, CEO of MDDUS said: "It is important that the Union keeps its finger firmly on the political and regulatory pulse as it continues to advise and support its medical and dental members throughout the United Kingdom. I am delighted therefore that two of our members, both recently retired from the two key regulatory bodies, have joined the Union as honorary special advisers. Sir Graeme Catto and Hew Mathewson bring a wealth of experience to the strategic roles they will play at the Union, which will I am sure be of significant benefit to our members".

Mr Mathewson was President of the General Dental Council from 2003 until the end of September 2009 and was the Council’s first Chair until December 2009. In his role at MDDUS, Mr Mathewson will provide "strategic stimulus” to our dental and marketing teams as well as offering valuable insight into the workings of regulatory bodies, as he did in a recent briefing to professional staff in our Glasgow office. He will also assist the Union in fostering useful external/governmental relations.

Mr Mathewson said: "I am delighted to have been appointed special adviser to MDDUS. My role will not involve working on individual cases but rather helping the Union to consider the bigger picture of the ever-changing regulatory world. The existing dental advisers are all fully occupied looking after members and I think it is important for the development of the Union that we be aware of wider issues. I am particularly looking forward to joining forces with my opposite number from the GMC, Sir Graeme Catto, once more. We work well together."

Professor Sir Graeme Catto served in the role of President of the GMC for seven years and then Chair until 2009. Sir Graeme will also bring valuable insight into medical regulatory issues and governmental matters with an eye to future developments that may affect MDDUS and its members.

Sir Graeme said: "At a time of change in clinical practice, rising patient and public expectations and financial stringency, the Union and its members need to be alert to future political and regulatory developments. As special adviser I look forward to working with Hew Mathewson in understanding that changing environment and helping the Union meet future challenges."