Calls to end secret GMC disciplinary hearings

The Welsh Conservatives are calling for ‘fundamental reform’ of the way the General Medical Council handles disciplinary and negligence cases.

They say the GMC must prove that it represents the interests of everyone, and not just “its own”.

The calls come after the tragic death of Ellie-May Clark, who died after her GP refused to treat her because she was four minutes late to an emergency appointment.

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, raised the issue this afternoon with Jane Hutt AM who was standing in for Carwyn Jones during First Minister’s Questions.

The case emerged following Mail on Sunday reports over the weekend and would have remained secret because the doctors’ watchdog – the General Medical Council – held her disciplinary hearing behind closed doors.

It has since emerged that the doctor is still practicing after escaping with a “lenient punishment”.

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, said:

“A young child has paid the ultimate, tragic price for the negligence of a doctor who chose to put clock-watching above her responsibility to provide care, and it remains deeply concerning that she has escaped with such lenient punishment.

“The way in which complaints such as this are handled needs urgent reform, and it’s an absolute disgrace that hearings of this kind can be held behind closed doors.

“The system is not fit for purpose. The GMC is there to look after everyone, not just its own, and I’m disappointed that the Welsh Government hasn’t come forward to condemn this practice.

“It took a national newspaper to bring this tragedy into the public eye, and the public will be looking to the First Minister and his government to press the GMC for fundamental reform.”