GMC witness support service

Being a witness

These pages are primarily aimed at GMC witnesses of fact: however, they may also be of help to defence witnesses acting for the doctor.  

You will have been asked to appear as a witness by a solicitor working for, or on behalf of, the GMC. This will be to give evidence to support a case against a doctor that may have been as a result of a complaint that you, or someone else has made.

Being a witness at a GMC hearing is very important. When giving evidence before the fitness to practise panel, you are helping the panel by providing them with first-hand information to help them understand what has happened and enable them to make a decision about a case.

Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service Hearing centre

You will be expected to attend a hearing at the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) hearing centre, which is based at the MPTS office in Oxford Street, central Manchester, so you should be prepared to travel and perhaps stay overnight if required.

Support and assistance

We understand that the process may seem legalistic and can be intimidating: however, our staff are on hand to provide help and assistance to witnesses throughout the hearing process. This includes answering questions on the hearing process, assisting with travel arrangements and handling expense claim forms.

Should you need to talk to someone about anything to do with being a witness, please contact the person who notified you of the hearing who will be able to answer your questions.