GMC ‘bible’ to get private care input
By Douglas Shepherd
The GMC’s core guidance Good Medical Practice is to be reviewed by an advisory forum of doctors and others including a representative of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN).
Every element of the guidance is set to be looked at to assess where changes and updates are needed.
The team will also consider how Good Medical Practice will apply to physician associates and anaesthesia associates when they come into its regulation in future.
Good Medical Practice, outlining the professional values, knowledge and behaviours expected of doctors working in the UK, was last updated in 2013.
But Prof Colin Melville, the GMC’s medical director and director of education and standards, said the healthcare landscape had changed dramatically since then and would continue to do so.
Prof Colin Melville
‘It’s vital we update our guidance so doctors and other medical professionals can face the challenges of future practice with confidence.
‘The advisory forum will help us to do that. Its members will provide us with insight, expertise and a range of knowledge and experience that will be invaluable as we proceed with this complex piece of work.’
Private healthcare sector input will come from Dawn Hodgkins, the IHPN’s director of regulation. She said she would help ensure GMC guidance supports doctors and other medical professionals across the whole healthcare system.
Prof Emma Cave, who is chairing the forum, said it would act as a critical friend to the GMC throughout the process.
Other members are:
- Mikaela Carey, physician associate in urology at St George’s University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust;
- Dr Josie Cheetham, GP trainee in south Wales;
- Dr Henrietta Hughes, GP in London and the NHS National Freedom to Speak Up Guardian;
- Prof Pali Hungin, lead of the Changing Face of Medicine commission at the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges;
- Eileen McEneaney, Nursing and Midwifery Council;
- Prof Geeta Menon, consultant ophthalmic surgeon in Frimley, Surrey, and a postgraduate dean for Health Education England;
- Lucy Mulvagh, Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland;
- John Randall, Association of Anaesthesia Associates;
- Joan Saddler, NHS Confederation;
- Neil Tester, The Richmond Group of Charities.
Find out more about the review of Good Medical Practice, and how to get involved, by signing up at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/GMPreview