GMC statement on the Alfie Evans case

Published 26 April 2018

A GMC spokesperson said:

'This is a devastating situation for Alfie's parents and all those close to the family. It is also enormously difficult for the doctors caring for Alfie, as they try to reach shared decisions about what is in Alfie’s best interests.

'Whilst we absolutely recognise how distressing this case is, it is not for the GMC to intervene or to comment on the specifics of it, beyond highlighting the guidance we provide to doctors on caring for children at the end of their lives. It is ultimately for the courts to make the decision about the best interests of the child in complex and challenging cases such as this.

'Where doctors are following the principles of our guidance we would have no cause to take action.'

- Ends

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The General Medical Council (GMC) is the independent regulator of doctors in the UK.

The GMC works with doctors, their employers, their educators and others to:

  • set the standards of patient care and professional behaviours doctors need to meet.
  • make sure doctors get the education and training they need to deliver good, safe patient care.
  • check who is eligible to work as a doctor in the UK and check they continue to meet the professional standards it sets throughout their careers.
  • give guidance and advice to help doctors understand what’s expected of them.
  • investigate where there are concerns that patient safety, or the public’s confidence in doctors, may be at risk, and take action if needed.

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