Four out of five respondents back GMC plans to reduce public hearings

Proposals by the General Medical Council to change its rules to avoid a public fitness to practise hearing in cases where the doctor agrees to the sanction have been backed by most respondents to its consultation.

Some 83% of respondents agreed that the UK medical regulator should “explore alternative means to deliver patient protection, where there is no substantial dispute about the facts,” a report on the responses says. Those backing the move include most patient groups, according to the report.

Around 77% of respondents, including the BMA and the royal colleges, considered it appropriate for the GMC to have discussions with doctors to encourage them to accept the sanction, …