Regulation of the medical profession is now virtually unrecognisable compared to the days of medical autonomy from the 19th century onwards. The reforms that began in the early 1990s have seen self-regulation replaced by a government driven “top-down” approach.
This is not an argument for a return to a bygone era; doctors fully accept that the profession needs to keep pace with a rapidly changing world, and that it needs to respond to a more informed public with rising expectations. However, it is fair to say that successive governments have not always struck the right balance in their reform measures. MPS believes this is an ideal opportunity to review the balance by developing some practical and proportionate measures that properly address the risks posed by poor standards.
The overwhelming majority of healthcare professionals are exceptionally committed and dedicated individuals who work extremely hard to deliver a good service, often in difficult circumstances and with demanding constraints.
Regulation should focus on identifying the small number of underperforming doctors without being unnecessarily burdensome and requiring disproportionate effort for the task.
The White Paper – Trust, Assurance and Safety – the Regulation of Health Professionals in the 21st Century – heralded some significant reforms, rooted in Dame Janet Smith’s inquiry into Harold Shipman’s criminal activities; but many areas, in MPS’s view, need some serious rethinking if they are going to be workable in practice and achieve the stated objectives of raising standards.
Many recent NHS reforms have demonstrated a lack of understanding about the day-to-day working of healthcare professionals. So whilst the objectives have often been laudable and well-intentioned, they fall down on the detail. Therefore, it is imperative that any future government seeks to engage healthcare professionals at an early stage of policy development.
Public expectation of healthcare professionals has increased significantly over the last decade, which can be attributed to the “user-led” and consumer focus approach to healthcare policy in recent years. Our view is that expectations are being raised far beyond what medical professionals can realistically deliver – and political rhetoric is one of the main drivers.
The existing levels of trust in the medical profession will be undermined if this continues. Looking ahead, the challenge for a new government will be to build on and strengthen the special relationship of trust between healthcare professionals, patients and the public.
MPS is calling on politicians to be at the forefront of developing a greater sense of collaboration, understanding and communication between healthcare professionals and the public to facilitate the delivery of high quality safe care in the 21st century.
MPS is calling on Parliamentarians to:
- Engage healthcare professionals in policy development at an early stage.
- Help manage public expectations of healthcare.
- Ensure regulation of the profession is balanced and proportionate.
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