GMC Interim Orders
The General Medical Council (GMC) investigates allegations relating to impairment by reason of serious misconduct, adverse health, deficient performance and/or matters relating to convictions or police cautions. It is worth noting that the GMC does not usually investigate allegations that are more than five years old.
A General Medical Council (GMC) fitness to practise investigations can take many months, or even years, to conclude. In fact, in 21/22, the GMC had over 200 doctors under investigation for more than a year, with some under investigation for as many as 156 weeks.
Whilst it is the case that doctors could continue to work unrestricted during a GMC investigation, many doctors are referred to an Interim Orders Tribunal (IOT) (formerly the interim orders panel (IOP)). Such a Tribunal has the power to impose restrictions on a doctor’s practise or issue an interim Suspension Order which is devastating for any doctor.
It is doubtful that any doctor could afford to not work, or work under restrictions, for such an extended length of time. It is therefore clearly in the doctor’s interest to seek expert legal advice when faced with the prospect of an Interim Orders Hearing (IOT). Expert legal advice and representation could significantly reduce the likelihood of adverse outcomes for doctors.
How legal advice benefits doctors
Evidence of insight and remediation are relevant considerations before an Interim Orders Tribunal. GMC guidance makes clear that, in reaching a decision whether to impose an interim order, a Tribunal should consider evidence of insight and remediation.
What is insight in fitness to practise?
Reflection is about serious thought or consideration of the circumstances that lead to a things going wrong. Insight is learning from this reflection to gain an accurate and deep understanding of steps necessary to, one, ensure mistakes are not repeated and, two, address the consequences (Duty of Candour).
Insight Works Training
Developed by leading legal representatives for medical professionals facing health and social care tribunals, Insight Works Training have designed unique and practical courses with focus on impairment, reflections and remediation.
Courses are delivered by both leading healthcare experts with years of experience in mentoring and coaching who also sit on regulatory tribunal panels and, leading legal experts in the field of defence at health and social care regulatory tribunals.
Insight Works Training will help give you a clear and easy to follow understanding of the regulatory process, explanation of the central role of impairment, how to approach insight and remediation, how to evidence this at your hearing and a directed approach to presenting your learning with evidence in writing and verbally.