Key Summary
- The UK government plans to overhaul the General Medical Council to more quickly suspend doctors involved in racism or anti-Semitism.
- New powers would let regulators challenge decisions sooner, stopping doctors from practising while under investigation.
- Reforms will also tighten rules on sexual misconduct, removing time limits so action can be taken even after many years.
The Government is planning to overhaul the General Medical Council (GMC), after 40 years, which would make it easier to dismiss doctors found for involvement in racist or anti-semitic activity.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has launched a consultation on legislative changes, citing many instances of doctors, particularly on social media, using racist and antisemitic language.
A rapid review in November by Lord Mann to investigate anti-semitism and other forms of racism within the health service had mooted allowing the GMC to challenge interim decisions made by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS).
Currently the GMC cannot appeal interim MPTS rulings, and doctors facing investigation can continue practising until their case has been heard at a full tribunal.
In addition, the Professional Standards Authority, which oversees all health regulators, will be granted enhanced powers to scrutinise and contest such decisions.
Welcoming the proposals, health secretary Wes Streeting said, “The NHS is a universal health service, which means that everyone, regardless of race, religion or belief should feel safe seeking its care.
“It is unacceptable that this is not the current reality for many patients and staff, and I will not allow it to continue.”
Lord Mann said, "Racism, including anti-Jewish racism, has no place in the health sector or our NHS, and those who engage in it should face swift and meaningful consequences.
"For too long, the system has been too slow and too cumbersome to deliver that. These reforms will help deliver change.”
The announcement of the proposals come shortly after a firebomb attack incinerated four ambulances outside a synagogue in London on Monday.
Last year, Dr Rahmeh Aladwan, a British Palestinian, was in the news for posting anti-Semitic tirades on social media.
She was later suspended by the MPTS, stating that her posts "may impact on patient confidence" in both her and the profession. Dr Aladwan had denied making racist or hate speech.
The GMC reforms will also look to “strengthen sexual safety in the NHS”.
The Government is consulting on removing a rule that prevents regulators from being able to take action against doctors over allegations of sexual abuse when five years have passed.
