GMC Defence Barristers
GMC Defence Barristers is a subsidiary of Kings View Chambers, a leading medical and healthcare law firm specialising in GMC fitness to practise cases and is headed up by barristers Catherine Stock and Stephen McCaffrey.
Covid-19
GMC Defence Barristers is open for business and uniquely setup to continue to support clients.
Although fitness to practise hearings have been cancelled or postponed, healthcare regulators will continue to investigate and act on concerns raised.
We explained our position in or Covid-19 statement and, to support healthcare workers and professionals, we have setup a Covid-19 fitness to practise resource. We are also offering free regulatory advice for NHS staff during this extraordinary time.
Covid-19 & Fitness to Practise
Latest fitness to practise advice, news and commentary during this extraordinary time.
Recent Case Studies
GMC Defence Barristers successful in lifting suspension in GMC case
GMC Defence Barristers’ lead counsel Catherine Stock has successfully argued for the lifting of a suspension order for a doctor accused of dishonestly.
GMC Defence Barristers successfully defend doctor before MPTS
Head of chambers, Stephen McCaffrey and Catherine Stock, have successfully defended a foundation doctor before the GMC’s Fitness to Practise Panel.
GMC Defence Barristers achieve “case closed” decision in GMC case
GMC Defence Barristers’ lead counsel Stephen McCaffrey achieve yet another case closed for doctor facing multiple allegations of fraudulent dishonesty.
GMC Defence Barristers secure case closed with no further action conclusion
MG approached us after an interim orders hearing at the MPTS with restrictive conditions on his licence resulting in him being unable to obtain suitable employment.
GMC Defence Barristers secures no case to answer in GMC case
GMC Defence Barristers’ lead counsel Stephen McCaffrey has secured no case to answer at the close of the GMC case.
Doctor happy with MPTS outcome for prescribing for family members
GMC Defence Barristers were successful in persuading the MPTS to impose a conditions of practise order for a short period for a doctor who had prescribed for himself and family members on 3 occasions.
What we do
General Medical Council (GMC) research has shown that doctors who lacked legal representation tended to receive more serious outcomes.
In contrast, the research concluded that there was no association between the seriousness of tribunal outcomes and a doctor’s age, race, sex, or whether they gained their primary medical qualification in the UK or abroad.
The research conclusively showed that one of the most important factors for doctors facing fitness to practise proceedings is legal representation and engagement.
GMC fitness to practise referrals
MPTS Interim Order hearings
Help with voluntary removal
Appeal against refusal of registration
GMC fitness to practise hearings
Preparing your case before the Case Examiners
Registration advice
Investigation and disciplinary hearings at work
Appeals against a MPTS Tribunal determination
Help with the decision of the Case Examiners
Restoration to the Register
Criminal investigation and proceedings
News and Blog
Social Media and Fitness to Practise
The misuse of social media by health and care professionals can lead to fitness to practise investigations and sanctions.
“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.