Channel 4 News Raises Serious Concerns Over Body

Medical negligence specialists at Irwin Mitchell have called for a full review to be carried out following new concerns that the General Medical Council (GMC) is unable to prevent doctors who have been sanctioned from practising.

An investigation by Channel 4 News has revealed that 17 doctors have been found to be working in breach of restrictions made by the organisation since 2009, including four who had been suspended by the body.

Commentators and experts including former heads of the GMC have now warned that the current system is not protecting patients as well as it should.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist Medical Law and Patients’ Rights team have vast experience in acting for patients and the families of those who have suffered serious injury as a result of failings in care and treatment by health professionals.

Angela Kirtley, a Partner at the national law firm acts for a client who suffered at the hands of a cosmetic surgeon who continued to practice despite a suspension, said: “A huge number of our cases demonstrate the very serious consequences that patients can face when they are not given the best and safest possible care.

“The idea that surgeons and other medical professionals continue to practise despite bans and restrictions is truly shocking and more clearly needs to be done to prevent this from happening.

“Patients and their families put their faith in the system to ensure that negligent professionals are properly held to account to ensure adequate standards are enforced and maintained. We would urge the Government and the NHS to review this area urgently and guarantee that people are getting the service they deserve.”