MDU encouraged by fewer needless GMC investigations
Dr Caroline Fryar, head of advisory services at the MDU, has responded to news that the number of GMC investigations decreased by more than 800 in 2016.
It’s very good to hear that the GMC’s new approach to handing complaints led to 800 fewer investigations in 2016. This will help to reduce the significant stress on doctors of a GMC investigation.
We have been working with the GMC, using our experience of supporting members, to suggest the types of cases that often do not need to be formally investigated and could be dealt with via the provisional enquiry process. For example, cases where the doctor has made a one-off clinical error, such as a delay in diagnosis, and can demonstrate they have learnt from their mistake and do not present a danger to patients.
It’s really encouraging to hear this new approach is paying off in reducing the burden on the profession of needless GMC investigations. We will continue to work with the GMC aiming to further reduce the number of investigations and the stress caused upon the profession.
