Health regulators launch new protocol to address emerging concerns
The General Medical Council and seven other regulators have launched a new protocol designed to ensure information is consistently shared in a timely, effective and coordinated way.
The Emerging Concerns Protocol strengthens existing arrangements, providing a clear mechanism for organisations to raise concerns and arrange meetings where they can be discussed.
"This collaborative approach will help us better identify emerging risks, so they can be addressed in the fastest, most effective and coordinated way possible."
Ian McNeill
Head of Regional Liaison Service
Organisations that have signed the protocol include:
- Care Quality Commission
- General Medical Council
- General Pharmaceutical Council
- Health and Care Professions Council
- Health Education England
- Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
- Nursing and Midwifery Council
- Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
Ian McNeill Head of the GMC’s Regional Liaison Service said:
‘We welcome this new agreement. When a concern is raised, we want action to be taken in the right place at the right time to ensure systems are supportive for doctors and safe for patients.
‘This collaborative approach will help us better identify emerging risks, so they can be addressed in the fastest, most effective and coordinated way possible.’
In addition to the signatories, the General Dental Council is supporting our emerging concerns working group for the protocol, and they will look to become a signatory in the coming weeks. The protocol is an evolving agreement which looks to build on strong existing relationships. NHS England and NHS Improvement have supported our emerging concerns working group.
This work was commissioned by the Health and Social Care Regulators’ Forum, which oversees its progress. The protocol has been developed by a working group and was piloted with operational staff from all organisations involved.
The protocol covers England only, the regulators with responsibility for regulating across the UK or Great Britain will continue to work collaboratively with the relevant national organisations in the devolved countries.
