MDDUS comments on consultation to reform GMC legislative framework

Commenting on the launch of the Government’s consultation to reform the GMC’s legislative framework, Dr John Holden, chief medical officer at MDDUS, said:

“Proposals for the GMC to retain its right of appeal over tribunal decisions are deeply concerning. Doctors have been promised since 2018 that this power would be removed as part of wider reforms to the GMC processes.

“This proposal would reverse a key positive recommendation of the government initiated in an earlier report which concluded that the GMC’s right to appeal had had “significant unwelcome and unintended consequences” in the case of Dr Bawa-Gaba. Reversing course now is a hugely disappointing U-turn that risks undermining trust in the system.

“Fitness to practise investigations are already long and incredibly stressful for doctors. The UK Government should be focused on reducing that burden and simplifying the process, not on introducing further layers of appeal that will prolong uncertainty.

“There are some positive draft proposals, including retaining health as a distinct ground for action. This will help ensure fitness to practice issues where a doctor’s health is a relevant concern may be handled with the appropriate care and compassion they require.

“We will engage fully with this consultation and continue to press for a fairer, more proportionate system.”

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