Abstract
Last week, the Department of Health announced its plans for reforming regulation of doctors. The BMJ asked some of those affected for their opinions
I welcome the white paper on medical regulation and am particularly pleased that the proposal for periodic revalidation is underpinned by a strengthened role for the medical royal colleges. In anticipation of this report my college, in collaboration with the surgical specialist associations, has been working towards a set of underlying principles and general criteria we believe should apply in the recertification of surgeons, and we will now be developing the specific standards against which individuals should be assessed. This enhanced role will consolidate our commitment to safety and the highest standards of surgical care for our patients.
The revised proposals relating to the role of regional General Medical Council affiliates are welcome, as is the strengthened role for trust medical directors. Training of these people is critical, and the white paper acknowledges that a high level of investment is needed to establish and maintain effective arrangements.
The introduction of a sliding scale in fitness to practise cases will ensure that a doctor facing erasure from the medical register is judged against an appropriately high level of proof. The GMC has already introduced wide ranging changes for dealing with fitness to practise cases, and I hope that the independent adjudicating body will recognise the expertise and experience the GMC can bring to its deliberations.
We need time to absorb the changes. Successful implementation will require piloting, realistic timeframes, and adequate funding. Many of the earlier concerns raised by my college have been addressed, and I believe surgeons generally will welcome the report.
Competing interests: