FTP reforms - Improving how we deal with complaints about a doctor

We are making some significant changes to the way we deal with complaints about a doctor. This is part of a programme of work to reform and modernise our fitness to practise procedures.

In 2011, we ran a public consultation to find out how people thought we could deliver faster patient protection where concerns arise.

As a result, we agreed to:

• make it easier to strike off doctors who are convicted of the most serious crimes
• suspend doctors who refuse to co-operate with our investigation
• meet with doctors at the end of an investigation into a complaint about their fitness to practise medicine to explain the action we think necessary to protect the public and desireable to maintain public confidence
• allow doctors to accept the measures we think appropriate without a hearing if there is no significant dispute about the facts.

Implementing these proposals will require changes to legislation. In the meantime from September 2012, we will begin piloting meetings with doctors and members of the public who have made a complaint. This will help us to decide how the new approach might work in the future.

For more information see:

• Leaflet on pilot of meetings with doctors (pdf)
• Leaflet on pilot of meetings with complainants (pdf)

If you would like to find out more, please call us on 010 7189 5167 or email cgarcia@gmc-uk.org.