The GMC has issued guidance to its staff setting out how to take the Covid-19 context into account when considering complaints against doctors.
Commenting, Dr Rob Hendry, Medical Director at Medical Protection, said:
“We have continually urged the GMC to acknowledge the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic and issue a statement of reassurance that it will show restraint and only open an investigation where there is a serious concern about a doctor’s fitness to practise. This GMC staff guidance setting out how to take the Covid-19 context into account when considering complaints, will be welcomed by doctors, many of whom have had the stress of the pandemic compounded by the prospect of a regulatory investigation.
“The guidance must however stand the test of time. It could be some time – potentially years - before such investigations are handled and we remain concerned that by this point memories of this difficult time may have faded.”
ENDS
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