General Medical Council

General Medical Council(GMC)

What is the General Medical Council (GMC)?

The General Medical Council exists as an independent regulator working to ensure the safety of doctors and patients alike, monitoring and maintaining that relationship, which is essential for a high standard of care.

The GMC plays a role in the education and training of practicing and future doctors, making sure they apply the most up to date methods of treatment and that their duty of care is unquestionable.

The public rely on doctors for minor ailments to life-saving intervention, so the GMC plays a powerful role in the standard of care we receive.

What can the GMC do if there is an allegation of wrong-doing?

The GMC only registers doctors which they believe to be up to the standard which justifies their position. It is essential that the doctor’s recommendations, from their medical school and previous places of work, as well as their qualifications meet that standard.

The GMC requires annual checks or appraisals for registered doctors, as issued by their employer. On top of this, they have a revalidation system in place, which allows the doctor to formally reflect on and revise their practice through:

• Knowledge: skills and performance
• Communication: safety and quality
• Collaboration: Teamwork and partnership
• Trust: building and maintaining

If a doctor has demonstrated a failure to comply in behaviour, professional values, knowledge or skills in practice, they may be at risk of losing their registration.

In following The Medical Act (2007), the GMC have authority to take action when a doctor’s fitness to practice is questioned. Depending on the nature of the complaint, a doctor may be brought to a committee, panel or tribunal.

How can Duncan Lewis help me if the GMC bring proceedings against me?

Duncan Lewis Regulatory Fitness to Practice solicitors have a breadth of experience in representing doctors registered with the GMC who are undergoing fitness to practice proceedings. We have the most up to date knowledge of the Fitness to Practice Rules (2004), as interpreted in the GMC (fitness to practice) Rules (2004) and the Orders to Council which detail the amendments made by the GMC, in order to properly prepare and present on your behalf.

If you are a doctor who has any professional regulation queries or has had their fitness to practice questioned, call Duncan Lewis Regulatory Fitness to Practice solicitors on 0333 772 04 09.