GMC Defence Barristers
Blog & NewsThe latest news on everything GMC related and blog posts from GMC Defence Barrister Stephen McCaffrey.
Doctor Avoids GMC Erasure
The doctor approached us very close to the original FtP listing in a matter which was, at that stage, almost inevitably going to lead to erasure by the MPTS.
What difference does legal representation make in fitness to practise proceedings?
What difference does legal representation really make in fitness to practise proceedings?
GMC Appeals Explained
Doctors can appeal GMC decisions relating to registration, licensing, restoration and revalidation, but legal advice is key to good outcomes.
GMC Interim Sanctions – Your questions answered
GMC Interim Sanctions – Overview A General Medical Council (GMC) fitness to practise investigations can take many months, if not years. Whilst doctors could continue to work unrestricted during a GMC investigation, they could be referred to an Interim Orders Tribunal...
“Zero tolerance of sexual harassment” – GMC
The General Medical Council (GMC) placed specific emphasis on its “zero tolerance of sexual harassment” in the updated Good medical practice that, for the first time, includes a “clear definition of what constitutes it and an expectation that doctors who see such...
Update to Good Medical Practice
The GMC has published the updated version of the Good Medical Practice. We look at the changes and what they mean for doctors.
Maintaining Professional Boundaries for Doctors – A Cautionary Tale
A recent case serves as an important reminder to all doctors to ensure they maintain appropriate professional boundaries with patients at all times.
The GMC is calling. What doctors should do.
Contact from the GMC can be distressing for doctors and there are important things doctors should do when they receive correspondence from the GMC.
GMC Interim Orders Tribunal Representation
GMC fitness to practise investigations can take years, to conclude. Can you afford to not work, or work under restrictions, during this time?
Does the GMC protect doctors?
Doctors under investigation may quickly find the GMC is far less concerned about protecting doctors highlighting the value of legal advice.
What difference does Insight & Remediation make before a MPT?
Does evidence of insight and remediation really make a difference before a Medical Practitioner’s Tribunal (MPT)?
GMC Case Examiners close case with no case to answer
GMC Case Examiners close fitness to practise investigation with no case to answer for Kings View Chamber’s client.
MPTS Interim Orders Tribunal Review Hearings
IOT’s decide if a doctor’s practice should be restricted while an investigation takes place and orders must be reviewed six monthly.
Admitting Allegations and MPTS Sanctions
The High Court recently provided useful guidance in circumstances where doctors wholly admit allegations and what bearing this has during the sanctions stage.
“Good Medical Practice is the most important”- High Court
Swift J exclaimed that the “Good Medical Practice is the most important” of all GMC guidance for doctors, when was the last time you actually read it?
Doctor’s health, GMC self-referral and fitness to practise
In general, self-referral is only considered necessary by the GMC in cases where a doctor’s health might impact on their fitness to practise.
Things doctors can do to avoid a GMC referral
One of the most important steps to protect a doctor’s medical licence is making sure they avoid common types of misconduct allegations.
Doctors on Strike – Fitness to Practise Considerations
The right to take industrial action is protected by UK employment law but it might benefit doctors to understand the GMC position and guidance.
The Future of Fitness to Practise – DHSC Consultation Response
The Department for Health and Social Care has published its response to proposals to reform fitness to practise in the UK.
Lack of Confidence in GMC & MPTS points to the Importance of Legal Representation
Confidence in the GMC’s ability to work in the interest of doctors and the MPTS ability to make fair decisions are at an all-time low amongst doctors.
A Compassionate Approach to Fitness to Practise Defence
Fitness to practise investigations are traumatic experiences. We never lose sight of the human aspects of fitness to practise investigations and hearings.
Kings View client’s GMC registration successfully restored
A doctor who was erased from the GMC register has successfully applied for restoration with representation from Kings View.
Doctors, adverse health and fitness to practise
We consider what doctors should know and what action might be necessary to avoid an investigation and sanction.
Employer Referrals – What doctors should know
Responsible Officers can make a referral to the GMC if there have been “serious concerns” raised about a doctor’s fitness to practise.
Fitness to practise & do’ and do not’s of using social media
The do’ and do not’s of using social media in the context of health and care professions and how social media can result in fitness to practise issues arising.
Responding to GMC Provisional Enquiries
The GMC’s provisional enquiries identifies cases that should not progress to a full fitness to practise investigation. How should doctors respond? What is a provisional enquiry? Before looking at how doctors should respond, what is General Medical Council (GMC)...
Will lessons be learnt from Dr Arora?
Dr Arora treatment by the GMC & MPTS has caused universal anger and outrage. A review of the case drew strong criticism of the GMC but will this result on long overdue change?
GMC Investigation Committee – A Doctor’s Rights Explained
Where Case Examiners consider a warning but the doctor disputes the facts or is not willing to accept a warning, they have a right to an oral hearing.
MPTS Hearings and Attendance by Doctors
Do doctors have to attend their MPTS hearings and what are the consequences for doctors who chose not to do so?
Interim Order Extension Appeals
Dr K v GMC perfectly illustrates the value and importance of responding to an Interim Order extension application.