Dealing with Poor Practise

The GMC is best known to the public through handling complaints or other information which casts doubt on a doctor's fitness to practise.

We can take action:

Where the problem concerns a doctor's conduct, our action can range from a warning to - in the most serious cases - striking the doctor's name off the register, with a range of options in between.

Where the problem is with a doctor's professional performance, we assess their practice thoroughly and decide what needs to be done to put right any deficiencies. We work as far as we can with the doctor's co-operation. But where necessary we can restrict a doctor's registration to ensure that patients are protected.

Where the problem is the doctor's health, the emphasis is on protecting patients while the doctor is offered medical treatment. Frequently, the doctor will have a period out of practice during this time.

Patients can find out more about our procedures in:

A Problem with your Doctor:
How the GMC deals with complaints.

Doctors can find out how our procedures work in these explanatory guides:

Facing a Complaint:
The GMC's conduct procedures

When your Professional Performance is Questioned:
The GMC's performance procedures

Helping Doctors who are Ill:
The GMC's health procedures

How to contact us

You can email, phone or fax us:
Email Tel
(020)
Fax
(020)
7915 3603 7915 3642
7915 3580 7915 3680