GMC Professional Discipline Representation, London

Complaints against doctors can have a huge impact on their reputations and careers. Where a complaint has been made, expert legal advice should be sought as soon as possible to ensure the subsequent investigation and any formal proceedings that follow can be dealt with effectively.

If a complaint is made about a doctor’s conduct, the General Medical Council (GMC) will investigate the incident to establish whether the practitioner has breached the professional standards expected of them.

When a doctor is notified by the GMC that they are under investigation for professional misconduct, a strong, well-prepared defence case will give the best chance of protecting their professional standing and career.

Here at Saunders Law, our solicitors routinely provide specialist advice and representation to medical professionals facing GMC disciplinary procedures. We can help at all stages of the GMC’s disciplinary proceedings, including:

• Drafting a response to the GMC following a complaint
• Assisting with disclosure of information during an investigation
• Advising on the suitability of the outcome to the investigation
• Representation for interim order hearings
• Representation for MPTS hearing

Our thorough and robust approach has earned us an excellent reputation for protecting our clients’ rights and their reputations and roles within the medical profession. We will collect a powerful body of evidence – including witness statements and character references – presenting the key legal challenges to the allegations and identifying any mitigating factors.

There is a lot at stake for doctors facing professional disciplinary proceedings. Our team work tirelessly to protect our clients’ rights and minimise the impact on their professional and personal lives, while providing close support during what can be a very stressful time.

Operating from offices in central London, we’re ideally located to assist clients in London and nationwide to navigate GMC professional disciplinary proceedings.

Speak to our GMC professional discipline solicitors in London

For expert assistance with GMC professional discipline proceedings, contact Saunders Law today for a free, no obligation initial discussion of how we may be able to help.

Call us on 02076324300 or make an enquiry online.

Why Saunders Law is the smart choice for GMC professional disciplinary representation

Industry-leading expertise. Exceptional track record of success.

At Saunders Law, our expert partner-led team has over 40 years of knowledge and experience to draw from and is perfectly equipped to offer clear, pragmatic advice and robust representation for every stage of GMC disciplinary proceedings.

Independently recognised expertise

Our team has been independently recognised for our legal expertise with strong rankings in highly respected client guides the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners.

Exceptional personal service & client satisfaction

We pride ourselves on providing an exceptional service. Our clients will always receive a call back the same day following an enquiry and can always speak to one of our partners when required. As a result, we consistently achieve excellent feedback from clients.

Transparent and flexible pricing

We provide clear and open advice regarding the costs involved in facing GMC disciplinary investigation and hearings. Various funding options are available to suit different circumstances and we have excellent relationships with litigation funding providers.

How our team can assist with GMC professional disciplinary proceedings

Advice on accusations of professional misconduct for doctors

Complaints can be made to the GMC from various individuals and bodies, including patients, colleagues, employers and the police. The GMC reviews all complaints received, and those that raise concerns about a doctor’s fitness to practise will be taken further.

Our team can provide clear, experienced advice where a doctor’s fitness to practice has been questioned in relation to:

• Professional misconduct
• Serious health problems
• Lack of knowledge or skill
• Criminal behaviour

No two cases are the same and our team can provide specialist advice to match the specifics of each client’s circumstances. We can advise on the exact nature of the accusations and what approach to take to avoid or minimise any sanctions.

Legal support for GMC investigations

When the GMC decides to investigate, the doctor is notified and given details of the complaint against them. The doctor is also invited to comment on the incident at this stage.

While it is not compulsory to comment, we recommend doing so as it shows willingness to cooperate, which could influence the outcome of the investigation and help to close the matter more quickly. We can advise on what comment to make, helping to ensure this does not undermine the possibility of securing a positive outcome.

The GMC will gather evidence from the complainer, any witnesses, the employer and any other key parties. The Council may also send a representative to assess the doctor’s performance or health.

If at any point in the investigation the GMC believes there is a potential risk to the public, it may initiate an interim order tribunal hearing. Such a hearing has the power to restrict or suspend a doctor’s work while the investigation is ongoing.

At the end of its investigation, the GMC will do one of the following:

• Decide no further action is required
• Issue a warning
• Set out actions to be taken
• Pass the matter to the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) for a fitness to practise hearing

If the GMC finds that a mistake has been made, it may be possible to avoid serious sanctions by demonstrating that the doctor in question has gained insight into the incident. Where a doctor acknowledges responsibility, and can show they have learnt from the incident, this can sometimes help to lessen any sanctions.

Fitness to practise hearings

An MPTS fitness to practise hearing will examine the facts of the case, determine whether there is impairment and deliver a sanction if necessary. In some cases, a well-prepared case with strong evidence can have an impact on the outcome of the hearing, so it is can be highly beneficial to seek expert legal advice and representation as soon as possible.

When a doctor’s fitness to practise is found to be impaired, the GMC has the power to impose the following sanctions:

• Adding conditions to the doctor’s registration
• Suspending the doctor’s registration
• Removing the doctor completely from the register

Where a doctor is sanctioned in a way they feel is unfair, it may be possible to appeal. Our team can advise on whether an appeal has a realistic prospect of success, assist with preparing the appeal and provide representation for any subsequent hearings.

Arrange an initial, no obligation consultation with our GMC professional disciplinary solicitors in London

When dealing with GMC professional disciplinary action, our team has the experience, skills and proactive approach required to secure the best available outcome.

Get in touch today for a free, no obligation discussion with our approachable team.