GMC investigations

General Medical Council investigations – how we can help as GMC defence lawyers

In order to practise medicine in the UK all doctors must register with the General Medical Council (GMC). With the power to grant registration, a General Medical Council investigation has the power to take it away.

As specialist GMC defence lawyers, we have years of experience of defending doctors facing fitness to practise investigations by the GMC. You may have been asked to submit a written response to a complaint, or have been summoned to a hearing before the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS). Our team of GMC defence lawyers for doctors has the expertise to help you through what can be a daunting process.

Rule 7/Case Examiner responses

If you are contacted by the GMC and asked to submit a written response to a complaint, it is vital that you take advice at the earliest stage. Often what is said in the initial response to a complaint shapes the remainder of the investigation – in particular, whether or not the case should be referred for a full, public hearing before a Medical Practitioners Tribunal (MPT). Through years of drafting such responses, our team of experienced GMC defence solicitors have achieved considerable success with helping doctors to bring GMC investigations to an early conclusion, avoiding a hearing before the MPT.

Interim Orders Tribunal (IOT) hearings

Frequently, at the very beginning of a GMC investigation, doctors are summoned to appear before an Interim Orders Tribunal (IOT) to decide if restrictions should be imposed on their registration whilst the investigation is ongoing. Such restrictions, if imposed, can have a devastating impact on a doctor’s ability to work and can remain in place for a considerable length of time. It is essential to ensure that you are legally represented at the hearing. Our GMC defence lawyers have considerable experience and have achieved many positive results at IOT hearings, either undertaking the advocacy ourselves, or working in conjunction with talented barristers who also specialise in the field.

Medical Practitioners Tribunals (Fitness to Practise Hearings)

Many GMC investigations will culminate in a hearing before a Medical Practitioners Tribunal (MPT). This will decide whether the allegations against a doctor are found proved, whether the doctor is fit to practice and, ultimately, whether to take action against the doctor’s registration. If you are summoned to such a hearing, it is essential that you are properly advised and robustly represented to secure the best possible outcome. We have a proven track record in successfully defending doctors at MPT hearings and have established ourselves as leaders in the field. Contact us to ensure you have the best chance of achieving the right result.

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  • Chambers UK 2023
    “Adam Smith possesses a wealth of expertise in defending clients facing GDC, GMC and HCPC investigations into allegations of inappropriate behaviour, dishonesty and sexual assault. He is also noted for his representation of police officers facing claims of misconduct.”
  • Chambers UK 2023
    “He is a super solicitor – he’s incredibly organised and has a very calm manner with clients and litigation. His drafting and communication skills are excellent.”
  • Legal 500 2022
    “John Fitzpatrick “has a good eye for detail”.”
  • Legal 500 2022
    “The tireless and very clever Katherine Sheldrick is highly recommended for any person facing professional discipline proceedings, and has been a first choice for many for several years.”
  • Legal 500 2022
    “Katherine Sheldrick is outstanding; a master of the fine detail.”
  • Legal 500 2022
    “‘Hempsons’ team is committed to its clients, hardworking, knowledgeable, and empathetic to clients’ needs.”
  • Legal 500 2022
    “Fantastic defendant firm.”
  • Legal 500 2022
    “Simon Eastwood is the best money can buy. He has both a criminal and regulatory background. He takes on the pressure of his clients for them. He is a masterclass in calm.”
  • Legal 500 2020
    “Surjit is a cool, calm strategist who inspires confidence in his clients and fear in his opponents.”
  • Legal 500 2022
    “Tania Francis is a qualified doctor and brings an invaluable perspective to any defence team.”