"While we welcome progress in reducing average timescales, it’s deeply concerning that fitness to practise cases are taking close to two years to conclude. These delays have a profound impact on the doctors involved, and we see firsthand the toll this process takes on our members’ wellbeing.
"Worryingly, the rise in the number of long-running cases, with 180 now open for three years or more, means that those already in the system are left in limbo and are subject to considerable stress and uncertainty.
"It’s essential that the promised legislation is introduced next year to enable the GMC to overhaul their processes and ensure cases are resolved in a fair, timely and proportionate way. We look forward to working with the GMC to improve this process – for the benefit of both doctors and patients."
This page was correct at publication on 17/12/2025. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.