The government is proposing wide ranging reform to healthcare professional regulators in the UK. In our response to the consultation - Regulating healthcare professionals, protecting the public - we have urged the government to now deliver the promised reforms without delay. The GMC have been placed at the front of the queue, which is welcome. However, in our response, we have also urged the government to ensure that the GDC is not far behind.
Doctors and dental professionals deserve a regulatory regime that is fair, proportionate and managed in a timely manner. It is these three standards - in addition to the importance of promoting and protecting patient safety - against which we judge the government's proposals for reform.
Healthcare professionals across the UK have waited a long time to see their regulators reformed and these proposals are a hugely significant step forward. Amongst the proposals is a new three-tier fitness to practise procedure, which if introduced correctly, could speed up the process - something which healthcare professionals would welcome.
There are areas in the governments proposals that we are concerned about, such as those that relate to historic allegations or where there is a concern about a registrant's health. We are making a strong a case to the government, to ensure these reforms deliver for healthcare professionals.
You can read our response here.
This page was correct at publication on 29/06/2021. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.
by Thomas Reynolds Head of government & external relations
Thomas (Tom) has worked in the medico-legal sector since 2014, prior to which he was employed in the House of Commons as a parliamentary researcher and adviser to a number of MPs. He is a graduate of the University of Exeter, where he studied Politics, Law and International Relations. Tom has a long academic interest in medical ethics, beginning with his undergraduate dissertation which examined the law on abortion in England and Wales. In addition to his role at the MDU, he is also a magistrate for the Central London district.