UK medical council overhaul may mean more doctors struck off for racism and antisemitism | Doctors
The overhaul at the General Medical Council is expected to lead to the sacking of more doctors who have faced accusations of racism and antisemitism 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 medical regulator GMC in four decades.
But the line on expressing anti-Zionist and pro-Palestinian views is expected to be an ongoing point of contention.
Doctors facing disciplinary proceedings for wearing symbols and social media posts were taking action against hospital trusts last year, arguing their beliefs were protected under the Equality Act 2010.
The DHSC says there have been “too many” recent examples of doctors using racist and anti-Semitic language, particularly on social media, without swift action being taken.
Recommendations from Labor Party member John Mann, who was appointed in November to carry out a rapid review into antisemitism and other forms of racism in healthcare, are also expected to be followed soon.
Mann described the current system as “too slow and cumbersome.”
Ministers plan to consult on initial recommendations from the review, including giving the GMC new powers to appeal interim decisions by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS), which makes decisions on cases prosecuted by the GMC.
Meanwhile, the Professional Standards Authority, the body that oversees all health regulators, will also be given greater powers to review and appeal 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-Semitic racism, has no place in the healthcare sector or the NHS and those who do so must face swift and meaningful consequences.”
Charlie Massey, chief executive and registrar of the GMC, said: “These proposed reforms will allow us to respond more quickly and flexibly when patient safety is at risk.
“It will also allow us to further increase our efficiency and effectiveness, whilst helping patients navigate the complaint and concern process more easily.
“This is an important and long-awaited step towards a more responsive and compassionate approach to health care regulation.”
