Dr Udvitha Nandasoma, MDU head of advisory services, said:
"This independent review was commissioned so the GMC could see if there were lessons to learn following its handling of the case of Dr Arora. Today’s recommendations show there are several. The MDU robustly defended Dr Arora throughout this case, so we welcome the fact that the GMC has accepted the recommendations in full.
"The MDU exists to defend members' interests. The findings of this report further demonstrate why it’s so important for doctors to be a member of an organisation like the MDU.
"The recommendations resonate with us as we see first-hand the extreme stress experienced by doctors undergoing a fitness to practice process. Their careers are on the line. That’s why doctors should only be put through this process where absolutely necessary.
"The MDU’s advisers defend many doctors in this position and we offer members bespoke assistance tailored to their individual circumstances, including our peer support network which links them to other doctors who have experience of having gone through a GMC investigation. As a learning defence organisation, we will be studying the report to see whether there is even more we can do to support doctors.
"This report from Professor Singh and Martin Forde KC is the latest in a growing number of reviews that have looked into GMC fitness to practise procedures in recent years. It follows recommendations made by the Hamilton and Williams’ reviews. All point to the need for a culture of compassionate and flexible regulation, which is something we need to see.
"This is why the MDU has been campaigning so hard for legislation to reform healthcare regulation. As we have repeatedly said, doctors deserve a regulatory system that is proportionate, timely and fair. The legislation needed to modernise regulation was due to be introduced this year and was then delayed - it needs to be a top priority again."
This page was correct at publication on 02/11/2022. 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.