Take the opportunity to protect clinicians' health and wellbeing - MDDUS

MDDUS has commented on the publication today (25 March 2021) of a Department of Health and Social Care consultation on the future of healthcare regulation

A consultation on the future of healthcare regulation was issued today by the UK Government. Responding to it, Chris Kenny, chief executive of MDDUS, said: “There is much to welcome in these proposals to modernise regulation of healthcare services."

“In particular the removal of the GMC’s right to appeal fitness to practise (FTP) decisions, the exclusion of reflective practice material in FTP cases, and a focus on the consideration of proportionality in changes to regulators’ rules, processes and systems."

“It will also be important to maintain momentum on these proposals for all regulators– reform of the GDC must not be allowed to lag behind GMC changes."

“However, we know the impact of the pandemic on healthcare professionals’ wellbeing and mental health has been significant. The government must introduce a statutory duty to protect the health and wellbeing of healthcare professionals as a priority."

“Failure to so whilst embarking on an overhaul of professional health regulation would be a missed opportunity.”

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