The statement acknowledges anxiety among registrants how context must be taken into account when concerns are raised about decisions and actions in very challenging circumstances such as COVID-19.
It states: “Where a concern is raised about a registered professional, it will always be considered on the specific facts of the case, taking into account the factors relevant to the environment in which the professional is working. We would also take account of any relevant information about resource, guidelines or protocols in place at the time.”
MDDUS has welcomed the statement. Dr John Holden, head of medical division at MDDUS, commented: “We recognise the potentially stressful and challenging impacts on health care professionals of working in the context of COVID-19, especially when its full impact is not yet understood.
“So we welcome the timely and pragmatic statement from the regulators and look to see this approach carried through in practice.
“MDDUS offers its members a 24/7 medico-legal advice service and stands ready as always to assist where concerns arise about decision-making and the appropriate actions to take as the NHS works to care for people in these unprecedented circumstances”.
Doctors can access the statement on the GMC website.
Other statutory health and care regulators to have agreed to this statement are:
- General Chiropractic Council
- General Dental Council
- General Optical Council
- General Osteopathic Council
- General Pharmaceutical Council
- Health and Care Professions Council
- Nursing and Midwifery Council
- Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland
- Scottish Social Services Council
- Social Work England
This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.