The GMC responds to the House of Commons Health Committee’s report on the Revalidation of Doctors

Niall Dickson, the Chief Executive of the GMC, said:

“We welcome the Health Committee’s report and its strong support for revalidation – it is good that MPs are clear that there must now be no delay in its introduction.

“This report makes clear that the Committee shares the joint commitment of the GMC and the four UK health departments to introduce revalidation by the end of 2012. It remains our number one priority.

“The report rightly highlights areas where more work is needed – for example, on remediation we remain committed to supporting the four health departments who are taking the lead on this important issue.  We are also working on a number of other fronts to make sure revalidation is fit for purpose and we will be supporting the newly appointed Responsible Officers to achieve this.

“The Committee also raises two other major issues.

“First, as we said in our evidence, we would welcome the opportunity to report directly to the Health Select Committee on all areas of our work, including revalidation; we have been calling for this for some time.

Secondly, the Committee highlights the current problem that the GMC cannot check whether doctors from the EU are able to speak English so they can practise safely. We are determined to find a solution and are currently working with ministers and officials at the Department of Health to ensure patients are fully protected.”

A copy of the Health Committee's report on the Revalidation of Doctors is available on the UK Parliament website.