EDITOR—A letter in GMC News asked what the General Medical Council's strategy was for dealing with frivolous complaints.1 It generated a far from reassuring reply2 that is at odds with what the NHS ombudsman believes is needed.3 The time taken for most complaints to be dealt with is already a matter for concern, and doctors increasingly face suspension by their employer when under investigation.4

A recent ruling by the Privy Council5 is likely to exacerbate these delays further despite the best efforts of the GMC to recruit more panellists to its professional conduct committee by reducing the role of the preliminary screeners.1 In addition, since the media can make known the names of those …