This session was delivered by Kirsten Baird & Christina McNiven, GMC Scotland Liaison Advisers, covering the key updates to Good Medical Practice 2024.
A copy of the slides used can be downloaded from the PDF below.
There were many questions and themes raised at this session in the chat which weren't discussed on the day. We have pulled together the salient points for your information along with Kirsten and Christina's responses below. We have also provided a summary of the changes to medical appraisals based on the new GMP in our resources section which you may find helpful.
There were some questions re SOAR development, please check this update from our News section for details.
Q: If you are being referred by your employer should they not tell you they are referring?
The GMC absolutely encourage that the doctor is advised and participates in any local process. The ELAs will advise this and it's covered in the GMC's Principles of Good Investigation, this would include advising them of any outcomes or referrals. However, we don't explicitly say there is a duty. There could be rare occasions where the doctor may not be notified, for example, a police investigation where they ask both the employer and potentially us not to alert the doctor to their enquiries.
Q: Re safe workplaces. What happens when they are not safe re building safety or work environment far too cramped for staff wellbeing safety which is common?
The role of the GMC is to register doctors, ensure they are fit to practice and support them to maintain our standards throughout their career. However we are fully aware that poor staff wellbeing and workplace conditions can impact on patient safety.
I'd refer you to our guidance on Raising and acting on concerns about patient safety - professional standards - GMC (gmc-uk.org) as there is an expectation that staff raise concerns about anything that's a risk to patient safety.
While this is not strictly within our remit, we do have a responsibility to share anything which could impact patient safety with those who are responsible for it. When we're made aware of 'system' issues such as this we use our strategic meetings with other stakeholders responsible for 'system' regulation to share what we've heard.
Q: How long does a doctor get paid a salary for if they are suspended?
This is a matter for your employer rather than the GMC.
Q: Where does discrimination fit when a female patient demands a female doctor?
A request to be treated by a doctor of the same sex would not automatically be considered to be discriminatory. Patients have a right to request a specific doctor but this is not guaranteed.
I would draw your attention to para 16 of the new GMP and to our guidance on Intimate examinations and chaperones and Ending a professional relationship with a patient for further guidance on this.
16 You must recognise and respect every patient's dignity and right to privacy.
N_P Intimate examinations and chaperones - GMC (gmc-uk.org)
Ending your professional relationship with a patient - GMC (gmc-uk.org)
GMP2024 NES Appraiser Network 13.02.24
Date updated: 13/02/2024
Size: 2654773 - KB
Type: pdf
This page was last updated on: 16/02/2024
