UK medical council overhaul may mean more doctors struck off for racism and antisemitism | Doctors
An overhaul of the General Medical Council is expected to lead to the removal of more doctors accused of racism and anti-Semitism on social media.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has launched a consultation on changes to the legislation governing the regulation of doctors, saying the move would lead to the biggest reform of the medical regulator, the GMC, in four decades.
However, the finish line regarding the expression of anti-Zionist and pro-Palestinian views is expected to be an ongoing point of contention.
Doctors facing disciplinary proceedings for wearing symbols and posting on social media have taken legal action against hospital trusts over the last year, arguing their beliefs are protected by the Equality Act 2010.
The DHSC says there have been “too many” recent examples of doctors using racist and anti-Semitic remarks, particularly on social media, without prompt action.
Recommendations from Labor colleague John Mann, commissioned in November to carry out a rapid review into anti-Semitism and other forms of racism in the health service, are expected to follow shortly.
Mann called the current system “too slow and too cumbersome.”
Ministers plan to consult on the review’s initial recommendations, including granting the GMC new powers to challenge interim decisions of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS), which decides on cases brought by the GMC.
At the same time, the Professional Standards Authority, the body that oversees all health regulators, will also be given more powers to review and challenge decisions.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “The NHS is a universal health service, which means everyone, regardless of race, religion or belief, should feel safe seeking its care.
“It is unacceptable that this is not the current reality for many patients and staff, and I will not allow this to continue. »
Mann said: “Racism, including anti-Jewish racism, has no place in the health sector or in our NHS, and those who engage in it should face swift and significant consequences. »
GMC chief executive and registrar Charlie Massey said: “These proposed reforms will allow us to respond more quickly and flexibly when patient safety is at risk.
“They will also allow us to further improve our efficiency and effectiveness, while at the same time allowing us to help patients more easily navigate the complaints and concerns process.”
“This is an important and long overdue step toward a more responsive and compassionate approach to health care regulation. »
