GMC speeds up probes into one-off complaints

GMC changes aim to cut the number of full investigations into one-off mistakes by doctors – known as single clinical incidents.

The move follows a two-year trial during which information was gathered quickly, following a complaint or referral, to assess if there was any ongoing risk to patients and before deciding if full investigations were required.

More than 200 single clinical incident cases were closed during the pilot study after the additional information, such as medical records and input from independent experts, doctors’ Responsible Officers and the doctors themselves, was considered at an early stage.