RCoA responds to the government’s reply to the Promoting professionalism, reforming regulation consultation

In response to the government’s reply to the ‘Promoting professionalism, reforming regulation’ consultation, Dr William Harrop-Griffiths, Chair of the Royal College of Anaesthetists’ Clinical Quality and Research Board said:

“We welcome the government’s proposed changes to regulation following the 'Promoting professionalism, reforming regulation' consultation. The College called for a more proportionate, less adversarial system with fitness to practise investigations in its submission and it is heartening to see the government putting a greater focus on identifying the cause of malpractice and encouraging development and learning.

“The proposal to resolve fitness to practise cases without a full panel hearing where it is appropriate is a step in the right direction towards a fairer regulation system. Lengthy investigations are stressful for both the doctors and the patients.

“A flexible and supportive NHS is essential if we are to rebuild trust between regulators and the medical profession. We look forward to seeing a fully-fledged plan to further implement the government’s vision, outlined in the Interim NHS People Plan and the NHS Long Term Plan, to foster cultural change within the healthcare system.”