1. Raising and acting on concerns about patient safety General Medical Council standards@gmc-uk.org www.gmc-uk.org/raisingconcerns

2. Background: The GMC’s statutory power to advise The Medical Act 1983 gives the GMC power to provide, in such manner as the Council think fit, advice for members of the medical profession on:  standards of professional conduct;  standards of professional performance; or  medical ethics

3. Good Practice in Prescribing Good Practice in Prescribing Reporting Convictions Reporting Convictions Personal Beliefs in Medical Practice Personal Beliefs in Medical Practice Acting as an Expert Witness Acting as an Expert Witness Good practice in Research & Consent to research Good practice in Research & Consent to research Background: The GMC’s Guidance on good practice

4. Overview: Raising and acting on concerns Raising and acting on concerns about patient safety sets out the GMC’s expectation that all doctors will, whatever their role, take appropriate action to raise and act on concerns about patient care, dignity and safety.

5. Development of Raising and acting on concerns  Last review was 2004/6 – published Raising concerns about patient safety in 2006  Part of the regular review of all GMC guidance to ensure it is:  Up to date  Reflects a consensus between doctors and the public  Is relevant to doctors’ practice  This review started in November 2009  New edition published in January 2012

6. Development: Initial scoping and Consultation  Working group formed April 2010  Consultation launched 7 March; closed 3 June 2011  Two separate questionnaires (long and short)  Also consulted on Leadership and management for all doctors and Writing references  Publication follows nearly two years of development, Jan 2009 – Jan 2011

7. Summary of Raising and acting on concerns Raising and acting on concerns about patient safety:  Sets out the duty of all doctors to act when concerned about patient safety, care or dignity.  The first time raising and acting on concerns bought together within a single document.  Part 1: Raising a concern  Part 2: Acting on a concern  Published in January 2012, the guidance came into effect 12 March 2012

8. Part 1: Raising a concern  Above all, put the matter right if possible  Duty to raise concerns:  ‘All doctors have a duty to raise concerns where they believe that patient safety or care is being compromised by the practice of colleagues or the systems, policies and procedures in the organisations in which they work.’ (para 7)  ‘Gagging’ clauses – not to be signed

9. Part 1: Raising a concern cont…  Recognises that there can be obstacles  Outlines the steps to raise a concern  Adverse incident reporting  Raise internally  Raise with a regulator  Making a concern public  Help and advice

10. Part 2: Acting on a concern  Once again: put matters right if possible  And:  ‘All doctors have a responsibility to encourage and support a culture in which staff can raise concerns openly and safely.’ (para 19)  If a doctor has ‘extra responsibilities’:  Ensure systems are in place to raise concerns  ‘Gagging’ clauses – not to be promoted  Protect those that raise concerns

11. Part 2: Acting on a concern cont… When investigating concerns:  Responsibility towards those who raise a concern And:  Investigations consistent with the law  Those investigated treated fairly  Relevant bodies informed  Recommendations implemented or referred to senior management  Patients receive an apology (if appropriate)

12. Learning materials  Case study on raising and acting on concerns about patient safety:  Part 1: Putting matters right  Part 2: Raising a concern internally  Good Medical Practice in Action

13. Do you want to know more? Email: standards@gmc-uk.orgstandards@gmc-uk.org Web: www.gmc-uk.org/raisingconcernswww.gmc-uk.org/raisingconcerns