GMC calls for evidence on the part doctors play in child protection

The General Medical Council (GMC) is calling for doctors to provide feedback on how an effective child protection scheme can be developed.

It is asking for doctors who have experience of working in child protection to submit evidence about their roles and responsibilities, in a bid to use their first-hand experiences to create a practical approach to protecting children.

The GMC states that anyone with an interest in child protection is welcome to submit feedback, including doctors from all areas of practice, health professionals, social workers, police, children and their families.

It specifically asks for examples of techniques that have worked well in practice, as well as any problems or difficulties that may have arisen.
The GMC is also interested to hear about doctors’ experience in:

• Obtaining consent and maintaining confidentiality when working with children and their families 
• Building effective relationships with the child’s parents and wider family 
• Liaising with other professional organisations when dealing with child protection issues 
• Accessing training and support while working in child protection.

The information that is received will contribute to new GMC guidance for all doctors involved in child protection work. The new guidance is expected to be released at the end of 2011.

The consultation will close on 24 September 2010.