The Spectator

Letters: How to reform the GMC

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issue 27 August 2022

Overhaul the GMC

Sir: Max Pemberton’s cogent criticism of the GMC (‘Unfit for purpose’, 20 August). is one of the more nuanced and on the nose of those that I have read. A client of mine was reprimanded and subjected to a fitness-to-practise investigation after an attempted suicide following a financial crisis. The experience worsened his mental health, which then prolonged the investigation. Other clients have been forced to sell their homes or relocate.

Some initial steps I implore the GMC to take include limiting the length of investigations, improving mental health reporting, providing more support for doctors about fitness-to-practise issues, and overhauling how evidence is handled.

Deepika Raino

Director and head of healthcare regulation, Adkirk Law, Leeds

An inspiring surgeon

Sir: Reading Max Pemberton’s article concerning the GMC, I came to the last paragraphs about Omer Karim. I met him a decade ago in my role as chairman of the Thames Valley cancer patients group in a meeting with cancer surgeons.

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