Professional Defence Solicitors for Doctors
If you are under investigation from the General Medical Council (GMC), JMW’s experienced professional defence solicitors for doctors are here to help. We have many years of experience in guiding doctors through this often complicated legal process, and we understand the severity of such claims.
Our legal experts are highly knowledgeable on all aspects of professional regulation and we can support you on your legal rights and means of recourse if you are facing allegations of misconduct.
We understand how damaging such investigations can be, affecting your overall wellbeing and the future of your practice, and will work with you to secure the best possible outcome.
Speak to our specialist professional defence solicitors today about your GMC case by calling 0345 872 6666, or fill in our online enquiry form to request a call back at your convenience.
How JMW Can Help
We have many years of experience in defending doctors who are facing an investigation, including GPs and those employed by a hospital.
We also represent doctors who have been accused of committing criminal offences, as well as assisting GPs throughout NHS England investigations.
In all cases, we will endeavour to:
- Advise you on relevant, up-to-date legislation relating to your situation
- Prepare responses on your behalf
- Offer advice on the acceptance of warnings and undertakings
- Advise on whether an Investigation Committee Hearing should be requested
- Help you to prepare for, and ultimately represent you, during Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) hearings
- Appeal to the High Court, where necessary, following MPTS decisions
- Offer guidance in relation to NHS England investigations
- Help you to prepare for, and represent you, during Performance Advisory Group hearings at NHS England
- Assist you with the gathering of evidence, including witness statements
- Represent you at the police station
- Offer defence in criminal courts
What Our Clients Say
FAQs
When can the GMC launch an investigation?
The GMC can take action if a doctor’s fitness to practice is under question for a number of reasons:
- Misconduct
- Poor performance
- A criminal conviction or caution in the UK, or elsewhere, for an offence that would be deemed as criminal if committed in the UK
- A decision made by a regulatory body, either in the UK or overseas
- Lack of the required knowledge of the English language to be able to practise safely
What action can be taken by the GMC?
If the GMC has enough evidence to suggest a doctor’s fitness to practise has been impaired, it can:
- Agree undertakings with the doctor in question
- Place conditions on their registration
- Suspend their registration
- Remove the doctor from the medical register
How long will a GMC investigation take?
The length of a GMC investigation will depend on the complexity and seriousness of the concerns. For this reason, many investigations can take several months, taking a considerable toll on those involved.
What will happen at the end of the investigation?
Once the GMC had conducted its investigation, the evidence will be assessed by two case examiners who will then decide whether to:
- Conclude the case with no further action
- Issue a warning
- Agree undertakings to address a problem
- Refer the case to the MPTS for a hearing
Talk to Us
For legal advice and guidance on a professional regulation issue related to the GMC, call us on 0345 872 6666. You can also fill in our online enquiry form to request a call back at a time that is convenient for you.
