Before attending the hearing
Contents
How the case is prepared
When an allegation is made about a doctor, the GMC has to decide whether the case should proceed to a hearing before a fitness to practise panel. If the doctor disputes the facts of the case, or it is in the public interest that the case is heard by a panel, witnesses may be called to provide evidence at a hearing.
In order to prove the allegation, the GMC must gather evidence to support its case. This will be made up of a number of documents including reports, correspondence, and written witness statements.
You may be asked to speak to a GMC solicitor on different aspects of the case. Arrangements will be made for you to meet with the solicitor, which will allow you to ask any questions about the process.
Witnesses can be served with a formal summons. This may be necessary if a witness has had difficulty with their employer allowing them to attend the hearing or if they are reluctant to attend. The summons is a legal requirement for a witness to appear at a hearing, and if a summons is ignored, the witness can be prosecuted for contempt.
Support for those with disabilities
Our hearing centre has wheelchair access and a ‘loop’ system for the hard of hearing. However, if you have a disability, communication difficulties or other additional needs, please discuss this with your GMC contact so that we ensure arrangements are in place to facilitate your attendance to give evidence. Arrangements could include providing a sign language interpreter or assistance for a witness with a visual impairment such as providing information in an alternative format or mobility assistance on the day of the hearing.
Virtual tour
Virtual hearing room
A short ‘virtual tour’ of the Manchester hearing centre is available on our website to help you familiarise yourself with the hearings environment, and the facilities available, before you attend. View the Virtual hearing room (requires Flash Player 10 to view)
Photographs of the Manchester hearing centres
We have also included photographs of our hearing centre and hearing rooms to give an idea of what to expect when you arrive to give evidence.
View photographs of the Manchester hearing centre
Other help available
There may be factors that might make giving evidence particularly difficult for some witnesses. If you have a disability, illness or a condition such as a mental health problem, a learning difficulty, a physical disability, or you experience difficulty in social situations, then this may affect how you give evidence before a panel. The way in which you present evidence may also be affected in situations where the allegations are of a sexual nature and you are the alleged victim or you feel intimidated due to your age, gender, race or cultural background or sexuality.
If you have any concerns about giving evidence, then please raise this at an early stage with your GMC contact. They will discuss your circumstances with you and let you know whether adjustments can be made to assist you or, if any special measures can be put in place to help you give your evidence.
Talking to someone about being a witness
Being a witness can be a stressful experience, and if you feel that you need additional support after first discussing any concerns with our staff, you might want to speak to someone who is independent of the GMC. Should you wish to find out more information about independent support organisations, please follow the following links to contact the organisations direct.
The hearing date
We will contact you to discuss a hearing date and your availability to appear as a witness. Where possible, we will try to ensure that the hearing date coincides with a time when you are available. However, this is not always possible as there are a number of other factors that will affect the date, as well as many other people to accommodate. Please let your GMC contact know as soon as possible about any specific travel or hotel accommodation requirements that you may have, for example, if you are a wheelchair user or if you have a visual impairment.
We will let you know as soon as a date has been confirmed, and will make arrangements for any overnight hotel accommodation and book travel tickets. You will also be provided with details of any out of pocket expenses that you may claim for.
Meeting the doctor you are giving evidence against
If you are particularly concerned about entering the GMC’s offices and meeting the doctor or anyone else involved in the case, it may be possible for someone to meet you and escort you to a witness waiting area or another room away from other witnesses. Unfortunately, it is not possible to guarantee that you will not meet other people involved in the case.
Things to remember
- Make sure you have all the information you need before the day of the hearing.
- Check that you know the location of the hearing centre, and if you’re unsure of the directions ask your GMC contact who will send you a map and directions.
- Write down any questions you may have about being a witness and if you are unable to get answers from our website, ask your GMC contact.
- Check the journey time and train/flight departures to make sure you won’t be late for the hearing.
- Bring a book or some other activity to help keep you occupied while you wait to give evidence.