CHRE audit backs 'effective' and 'impressive' GMC work

The GMC has maintained or improved on its good performance in all areas of its work according to the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence in the UK.

In its annual review of the regulators, CHRE has given a highly positive account of the GMC, welcoming progress in a number of key areas, including the way it managed the adoption of its new responsibilities for postgraduate education last year.

On the work to introduce a system of revalidation for all doctors working in the UK, CHRE noted, “The significant amount of resources the GMC has devoted to developing a proportionate, flexible and relevant revalidation scheme should help assure patients and the public, employers and other healthcare professionals that licensed doctors are up-to-date and fit to practise.”

The CHRE also found that the GMC had continued to maintain its performance in managing fitness to practise cases, despite a significant increase in the number of complaints – its processes were described as effective, proportionate and focused on public protection.

The CHRE praised the GMC’s extensive work aimed at improving “an already impressive catalogue of guidance” for doctors, and said it continued to be impressed with the extent and nature of engagement with key groups in the development and revision of guidance.

Niall Dickson, the Chief Executive of the General Medical Council, said:

“We are delighted that the CHRE has recognised the significant advances we have made in the last year as well as our commitment to continuous improvement. The GMC has transformed itself radically in recent years into a modern and professional patient safety body, accountable to the public and through Parliament.

“I am particularly pleased that the CHRE have highlighted the extent of our engagement with key interest groups in developing our standards. It is fundamental that we listen to what patients and their representatives expect when developing guidance for doctors.

“This audit represents a high-water mark for the GMC, but there is no room for complacency and we believe there is plenty of scope for further improvement.  The Council has set an ambitious programme of reform which is designed to enhance patient safety and help drive improvements in medical practice and education. In every area of our work we are determined to play our part in supporting doctors to provide better care."