GMC Defence Barristers Blog
Discussion around the legal issues faced by doctors
“Impairment is in the present tense” – High Court
The High Court reaffirmed important legal fitness to practise principles in the case of PSA v HCPC recently.
Trust’s responsibility to report GMC referrals
Coroner’s verdict directs GMC to ensure trusts and agencies inform doctors when they are referred to the GMC and check what support they need.
GMC Defence Barristers secure no impairment in GMC case
A doctor’s fitness to practise was found not impaired in a case involving a police caution for an issue of violence against a child which was referred to the GMC.
Engagement in Fitness to Practise Process is Vital
This case occurred in the context of the NMC’s fitness to practise process but principle remains the same for all healthcare professionals.
Behaviour, attitude and fitness to practise
Evidence of a registrant’s behaviour and attitude during and after an incident and during fitness to practise proceedings is vitally important.
SAS and LE doctors reporting “unfair treatment”
GMC has published the initial results of its first ever survey of SAS and LE doctors with many reporting “unfair treatment”.
Doctor avoids GMC suspension
A doctor, represented by GMC Defence Barristers, has avoided a practice suspension following a MPTS hearing where they were accused of dishonesty.
GMC’s meaning of fitness to practise
The GMG is responsible to regulating doctors ensuring that doctors are fit to practise. How does the GMC define fitness to practise?
New career and training paths – ‘new reality’ for Doctors
Doctors are increasingly moving away from traditional careers and training paths to avoid burnout according to GMC report.
MPTS, legal representation and outcomes for doctors
A peer-reviewed study confirms that doctors who do not attend their hearing or lacked legal representation tended to receive more serious outcomes.
GMC referrals to MPTS up by 40%
Figures releases by the General Medical Council (GMC) has shown a 40% increase in the number of referrals to the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) in the last year.
Police cautions – do I need to declare a caution?
Cautions must be declared to healthcare regulatory bodies such as the GMC. There is often uncertainty over cautions, what they are and whether they should be declared.
Who can bring an appeal against a MPTS Fitness to Practise decision?
When a decision by the MPTS is made in relation to a doctor’s fitness to practise, that decision can be subject to an appeal by various parties.
Whistleblowing to GMC – when and how to raise and act on concerns
This is a complex topic, and unfortunately many doctors feel unsure how to correctly balance the requirements of patient safety, public interest, responsibilities to colleagues and duties to employers.
Refusal to give evidence and inference in GMC FtP cases
Negative conclusions can be drawn by the GMC’s medical practitioners tribunal service (MPTS) panel if doctors decide not to testify or give evidence in their disciplinary tribunal.
State indemnity scheme and GMC FtP referrals
The rules governing the scheme include provision for NHS Resolution to share information about claims with the GMC.
Senior healthcare leaders need more support to ensure good patient care
A General Medical Council (GMC) commission study found that senior healthcare staff are unprepared and unsupported for the challenges of leadership during the early stages of their management careers.
Doctor rest breaks and overtime – Court of Appeal ruling
Junior doctors have won a court case against a hospital trust over rest breaks which “could have far-reaching implications for the NHS.”