Posted by The General Medical Council (GMC) is the entity responsible for investigating incidents and medical malpractice claims. If youre a medical professional who is involved in such an occurrence, you will be subjected to a GMC investigation.
Being represented by a fitness to practice defence solicitor during GMC proceedings is of paramount importance. The administrative and legal processes will be too complex to navigate on your own, which could potentially have a negative impact on your career in the future (see link).
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Common Reasons for GMC Investigations
Patients, co-workers and employers can submit a complaint to the GMC. Reports that raise questions about a physicians ability to practice will lead to an eventual investigation.
The fitness to practice is going to be questioned whenever theres a suspicion of health issues that stand in the way of treating patients, unprofessional behaviour, lack of competence or even criminal behaviour.
Depending on the specifics of the violation, the GMC will impose certain sanctions. These can range from supervision and adding conditions to the registration of the medical professional to removal of said healthcare worker from the GMC register.
The Importance of Being Represented by a Fitness to Practice Attorney
If a complaint has been filed against you, the GMC will have to send a notification. Upon the completion of this process, an investigation can begin.
Based on the evidence collected, a fitness to practice hearing may be scheduled. The facts of the case will be reviewed and if necessary, the GMC will announce the type of sanction against the respective physician.
A GMC investigation is going to be overwhelming and impossible to handle on your own. This is the main reason why you should consult an experienced fitness to practice defence solicitor as soon as youre notified about the upcoming investigation.
A lawyer will acquaint themselves with the nature of the complaint and the evidence against their client. Based on this information, a personalised defence strategy will be crafted.
Doctors have the right to provide evidence or call witnesses in their defence during the hearing. A legal professional who has enough experience in the field will know which facts and testimonies could potentially negate the evidence that has been collected against their client.
The medical professional under investigation is also provided with a chance to question the witnesses testifying against them. Once again, a legal professional will know what inquiries to make for the purpose of negating the harmful evidence against their client.
The consequences of a GMC investigation could be life-altering. Do not attempt to handle the process on your own, even if you know that you havent violated professional codes and standards. An attorney will guide you through the multiple steps and help you present your truth in a convincing way.
