UK Revalidation Programme Board welcomes pilot progress

The UK Revalidation Programme Board today welcomed progress being made in piloting aspects of medical revalidation.

The UK Revalidation Programme Board today welcomed progress being made in piloting aspects of medical revalidation.

A number of pilots will run until late 2010.  The first stage of the pilots, which are being led by a wide range of organisations across the UK involves a review of medical appraisal in different settings, including primary care, secondary care and the independent sector.

These projects cover a range of issues including ensuring doctors can easily access information and support for their appraisal.

A second wave known as ‘Pathfinder Pilots’ will ensure any problems identified in the initial pilots have been successfully dealt with.  A final stage will include a test of how the appraisal system affects locums and GPs in England.  Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland will also have tailored pilot schemes. 

The Board also welcomed the appointment by the GMC of its new Chairman, Mr Keith Pearson who will take up his position from 15 April. Mr Pearson is Chair of the NHS East of England Strategic Health Authority.

Sir Michael Pitt is standing down as Chair of the UK Revalidation Programme Board following his appointment as Chair of the Infrastructure Planning Commission.

Sir Michael Pitt, Chairman of the Board said: “As I leave, the pilots are on course to be completed by 2010.

“The phased roll-out of revalidation across the UK will only begin following the evaluation of these and other pilots and where robust workplace-based systems, including a network of Responsible Officers, are in place.

“The GMC, the UK Revalidation Programme Board, and the Departments of Health in the four countries of the UK will all be involved in determining the way forward when all the necessary preconditions to implement revalidation are in place.”

Keith Pearson  said: “I look forward very much to working with all Board members to make further progress towards implementing revalidation across the UK. 

Visit our Revalidation governance for completed board meeting papers.