GMC Defence Barristers Blog
Discussion around the legal issues faced by doctors
High Court warns against prolonged interim orders in fitness to practise cases
The High Court has delivered an important reminder to healthcare regulators that interim orders are protective measures, not a substitute for progressing a fitness to practise investigation.
Fitness to practise data 2025: what UK doctors must learn from rising concerns and how early action protects careers
GMC data shows rising complaints and scrutiny, with only 3% of doctors facing action but a growing need for early, proactive engagement to reduce fitness to practise risk.
GMC investigation closed following legal representations
A healthcare professional, identified as KT, instructed Kings View Chambers after experiencing difficulties with a number of ongoing regulatory matters.
Suspension revoked at MPTS review hearing following six-month order
A doctor who had previously been suspended by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) has had the suspension revoked with immediate effect following a successful review hearing.
Understanding disproportionate fitness to practise referrals: why doctors must act early to protect their careers
Disproportionate fitness to practise referrals to the GMC continue to affect doctors from minority ethnic backgrounds and those who qualified outside the UK.
The right of appeal in fitness to practise cases and why early legal engagement matters
Fitness to practise appeals explained: understand your rights, strict deadlines, and why early legal advice is crucial to avoid adverse findings and protect your career.
GMC consultation on updated personal beliefs guidance
We look at the GMC’s updated personal beliefs guidance and what this means for doctors and fitness to practise.
Court of Appeal clarifies how tribunals should apply sanctions guidance in fitness to practise cases
Court of Appeal ruling clarifies how the GMC’s Sanctions Guidance should be applied in fitness to practise cases, especially involving non‑clinical misconduct, confirming a structured but evaluative approach for MPTS and other UK healthcare regulators.
Allegations found not proven for doctor facing extremely serious allegations
We represented a doctor before the MPTS on extremely serious allegations, with the Tribunal finding none proved.
Excessive fitness to practise referrals leave UK health professionals under growing strain
Excessive fitness to practise referrals cause stress and anxiety for UK health professionals. Learn how to protect yourself and when to seek expert FtP defence.
Fitness to practise inequalities affecting ethnic minority and non‑UK qualified doctor
Ethnic minority and non‑UK qualified doctors remain disproportionately represented in GMC fitness to practise referrals and investigations.
High Court ruling highlights risks of facing fitness to practise hearings alone
High Court ruling warns that attending fitness to practise hearings without specialist legal support can lead to unfair outcomes.
2025 Fitness to Practise in Review: Key trends shaping UK regulation
Our 2025 fitness to practise review highlights key FtP issues, major regulatory trends and the strong outcomes we achieved for clients this year.
Sexual misconduct, remediation and fitness to practise: lessons from Sadiq v GMC
Sexual misconduct is hard to remediate, but insight and structured remediation can still influence sanctions.
The GMC’s new guidance on raising patient safety concerns: implications for doctors’ fitness to practise
The GMC’s new consultation reinforces doctors’ duty to raise patient safety concerns, with fitness to practise risks for failures and a need for early expert legal advice.
Assessing insight when a registrant denies allegations in fitness to practise proceedings
How fitness to practise panels can assess genuine insight when a registrant denies allegations and offers no apology, balancing fairness with public protection.
Changes to MPTS Tribunal Guidance: What doctors need to know
The MPTS has published revised tribunal guidance that will come into effect on 24 November 2025.
Case review: GMC closes case against doctor without sanction
The GMC closed its case and investigation against our client at Provisional Enquiry stage with no further action.