Changing the way we allege impairment in Fitness to Practise Panel notices

As you may be aware, we are making some changes to the way we carry out our investigation and adjudication work. We launched a consultation on the way we handle cases involving concerns about doctors, which ran until 11 April. 

Information can be found here: www.gmc-uk.org/ftpreformconsultation. And we have been consulting separately on proposals to ensure the independence of the panels who conduct fitness to practise hearings.

We also launched a consultation on the style in which the particulars of alleged impairment of doctors are set out in Notices of Hearings. The length of hearing has tended to increase in recent years; and while it is not the only factor, there appears to be a correlation between the length of the Notice and the length of the hearing. This in turn raises issues about the efficiency and proportionality of the hearings.

Our review of the drafting style of Notices has been underpinned by a recognition of the need to ensure a proportionate response that balances the requirement for a fair hearing; ensures matters of alleged impairment are addressed as efficiently as possible and with the minimum of delay; and recognises the GMC's overriding duty to protect the public.

View the full proposal for consultees

The full proposal can be downloaded here. The consultation closed on 28 February 2011.

Changing the way we allege impairment in Fitness to Practise Panel notices (pdf)

View the GMC's response

The GMC's response to comments made in the consultation can be downloaded here.

GMC response to consultation (pdf)