Mid Staffs Doctors get off scot-free

[Dedworth]

Now all the doctors at Mid Staffs escape scot-free over deaths: GMC closes case because of lack of evidence of wrongdoing

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...#ixzz2fnGl1HuQ

The GMC appears to be failing to protect patients once again

[joebloggs]

dedworth don't forget the nurses too

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2...ses-struck-off

[Dedworth]

dedworth don't forget the nurses to

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2...ses-struck-off

Quite right too Joe the nurses have been struck off - it would be nice to see the GMC do the same to it's rogue Doctor members rather than close ranks

[Doc Alan]

NONE of these four doctors, or any of the other 39 doctors investigated by the GMC, are members. They are registered, along with the other quarter of a million doctors working in the UK. One of those investigated has now been erased from the register. Another four have been variously issued advice, warnings, and given conditions for continuing work ; 22 have been advised ; 16 had cases concluded with no further action.


The governing body of the GMC ( Council ) has 12 members of which 6 are doctors and 6 “ lay members “, all appointed following an independent appointments process.


Its purpose as independent regulator of UK doctors is to protect, promote and maintain health and safety of the public by setting standards in practice of medicine. It controls entry to the register, promotes high standards of medical education and training, and deals firmly and fairly with doctors whose fitness to practice is in doubt.


The GMC asked the leading counsel ( Tom Kark QC ) to the Francis Inquiry into the Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust to provide legal opinion on the four doctors who held management positions at the Staffordshire Hospital.


The evidence that the GMC presents to “ Fitness to Practice “ panels must fulfil a civil standard of proof. His conclusion was that none of the evidence obtained from witnesses provided a sound basis for a finding of serious misconduct or deficient professional performance. There was therefore NO realistic prospect of securing a finding against these doctors. The law is clear : the GMC can only prosecute a doctor if there is sufficient evidence of their wrongdoing.



It’s NOT within my chosen remit as the only doctor on the Forum to make judgements about lifestyle choices and health ; OR voice unsubstantiated opinions about other doctors, the GMC, or the UK legal establishment.


Every member is of course entitled to their opinion . Equally the public need to have confidence in the system of regulating doctors and hospitals.


The GMC IS constantly trying to improve standards and regulation of health care professionals. They will not read what is said on this Forum. However, they are readily available to the public. It’s NOT so easy to actually become a GMC member – whether or not medically qualified – because there is intense competition to join their ranks. In my opinion, closing ranks must be difficult when the membership is drawn from such a range of experts.



Meantime, I’m happy to support the Forum and give health advice for free - I’ll leave criticism of doctors and their salaries to others .


http://www.gmc-uk.org/news/23414.asp

[Dedworth]

Thanks Doc - am I right in thinking there is a difference as to how the GMC can regulate Doctors depending on whether or not they are members of or registered with the GMC ?

Notwithstanding that the 4 mentioned might be brought to book along others and nurses by the ongoing Police investigation into the 2-300 deaths allegedly due to poor care at this hospital.

As you know I'm not knocking the thousands of top class Docs but wish to see any rogue bad apple healthcare workers along with target driven trough, feeding NHS management face the full force of the law.

[Doc Alan]

All medical members of the GMC are also on the register to practice ( " registrants " ).


Not all well-qualified doctors are immune from making mistakes. Whether or not they are members of the GMC or eminent professors, they should – and do, to my knowledge - get the same treatment if they fall short of standards expected, compatible with their experience.



http://www.gmc-uk.org/about/council/members.asp