GMC announces advisory forum ahead of key guidance overhaul

The General Medical Council announces members of an advisory forum that will help steer a review of its core guidance Good Medical Practice.

The advisory forum will act as a sounding board for key decisions and developments, as the GMC looks to make changes to its overarching guidance for medical professionals practising in the UK.

Its 12 members bring with them a wealth of expertise in areas such as medical ethics, patient care, multi-disciplinary working and equality and diversity. They will provide advice to the GMC throughout the review.

Good medical practice, last updated in 2013, outlines the professional values, knowledge and behaviours expected of doctors working in the UK.

The GMC will review every element of the guidance to assess where changes and updates are required. It will also consider how Good medical practice will apply to physician associates and anaesthesia associates when they come into its regulation in future.*

A consultation, currently planned for spring 2022, will seek input from healthcare professionals and patient representatives.
Professor Emma Cave, a professor of healthcare law at Durham University, will chair the advisory forum.
Other members are:

• Lucy Mulvagh – Director of Policy and Communications at the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE).
• Mikaela Carey – a physician associate in urology at St George’s University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
• Josie Cheetham – a GP trainee in south Wales, with particular interest in medical education.
• Dawn Hodgkins – Director of Regulation at the Independent Healthcare Providers Network.
• Dr Henrietta Hughes – a GP in London and the first NHS National Freedom to Speak Up Guardian.
• Professor Pali Hungin – lead of the Changing Face of Medicine commission at the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges.
• Eileen McEneaney – a registered nurse and health visitor, and the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s designated registrant member for Northern Ireland.
• Professor Geeta Menon – a consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust in Surrey, and a postgraduate dean for Health Education England.
• John Randall – senior anaesthesia associate, and a board member for the Association of Anaesthesia Associates.
• Joan Saddler – Director of Partnerships and Equality at the NHS Confederation.

Neil Tester – Director of The Richmond Group of Charities, a coalition of leading voluntary sector health and social care organisations. He will be the advisory forum’s deputy chair.

Professor Colin Melville, the GMC’s Medical Director and Director of Education and Standards, said:
’The healthcare landscape has changed dramatically in recent years and will continue to do so in the decade ahead. It’s vital we update our guidance so doctors and other medical professionals can face the challenges of future practice with confidence.

‘The advisory forum will help us to do that. Its members will provide us with insight, expertise and a range of knowledge and experience that will be invaluable as we proceed with this complex piece of work.’

Professor Emma Cave, chair of the GMC’s Good medical practice review advisory forum, said:
‘Good medical practice is the bedrock that helps guide ethical decision-making, as well as the building and maintaining of trust and high standards. Much has changed in the years since it was last updated, and so this is an important time for a review. I am delighted to chair the forum that will act as a critical friend to the GMC throughout the process.’
People can find out more about the review of Good medical practice, and how to get involved, by signing up at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/GMPreview. (this link will take you away from our website)

End of page.