Our Employment Solicitors Manchester specialist for doctors offers representation in all cases presented by the General Medical Council (GMC)
The Regulatory Process
The following information describes the disciplinary process as outlined by the General Medical Council
Investigation
The doctor will be permitted to offer submissions regarding any accusations made against them from any point in the proceedings. The General Medical Council will seek out evidence from the doctor’s employer, expert witnesses where medical issues are in question, and from general assessments of the doctor’s behaviour and performance.
If appropriate, an interim order for the suspension of the doctor may be sanctioned by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service. This will restrict the doctor from practice throughout the duration of the investigation.
On completion of the investigation the case examiners or investigation committee may administer one of the following actions:
- Take no further action
- Issue a warning
- Agree on an appropriate action for the doctor to take to address the issue, for example: restrictions on the doctor’s practice; practice under supervision; or retraining
- Refer the case to the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service for a full hearing
Hearing
The hearing will take place in front of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service Fitness to Practice panel. The panel will be made up of medical and lay members, to receive the full presentation of the doctor’s defence. This includes all evidence and witnesses if relevant.
Decision
If the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service finds the doctor guilty of the issues brought against them, and their fitness to practice has been diminished, they can proceed with one of the following actions:
- Issue a warning where the General Medical Council will disclose the information to employers or enquirers for the proceeding 5 years
- Impose conditions on the doctor’s registration whereby they must only work under appropriate supervision
- Restrict the doctor to working only in certain areas of practice
- Suspend the doctor from the medical register and prohibit them from working for a set period of time
- Remove the doctor from the medical register, prohibiting them from working as a doctor in the UK for a minimum of 5 years—possibly permanently
Appeal
The doctor can appeal to the High Court against any decision or judgement within 28 days of the decision.
Internal disciplinary proceedings
Our specialist employment law solicitors will be happy to represent any doctor involved in internal disciplinary proceedings being carried out by their employer or line manager.
Representation for social workers in cases of regulatory proceedings
If you are subject to proceedings carried out by the General Medical Council in respect to your role as a doctor, please contact us on 0161 82 11 559, or complete the form on our enquiry page. One of our dedicated team will contact you as soon as possible to discuss your case, possible outcomes and all of your available options.
