We know how stressful it is when a complaint made against you is investigated by the General Medical Council. Our specialist regulatory investigation lawyers can defend you against any allegations and help protect your career and reputation.
An investigation by the General Medical Council (GMC) could have a devastating and long-term effect on your career. Our specialist team have a wealth of experience defending many medical practitioners through GMC investigations, including: GPs, surgeons, clinical leads and consultants.
If you’re at risk of a GMC investigation or you’re already involved in one, you should get in touch with our specialist lawyers as soon as possible so we can build your defence.
Why Might The General Medical Council Investigate You?
When a complaint is made against you, the GMC will investigate it if they think the complaint (if proven) would mean they need to restrict your practice. This is most often because there’s concern about your ability to practice, due to:
- Physical or mental health ill health
- Lack of necessary knowledge or poor performance
- Misconduct
- Determination by another regulatory body, such as the Care Quality Commission, the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the General Pharmaceutical Council
- Insufficient knowledge of English
- A criminal conviction or caution
You can be referred to the GMC for any of these reasons by a patient, the police, or an organisation like the NHS. The GMC will let you know if they decide to investigate you.
How Can We Help?
We understand that any complaint or resulting GMC investigation can have devastating effects on your reputation and livelihood. Our well-prepared defence will make sure you and your career are protected in the best way possible.
We can liaise with the GMC throughout the investigation and make strong arguments to close your case entirely. In fact, our expert lawyers have a high success rate at getting the GMC to close our clients’ cases, instead of opening an investigation.
We also work closely with our in-house employment law and criminal law experts, who provide valuable insight and help us build robust, well-rounded defences for our clients.
We’ll communicate with you throughout the investigation, making sure you’re always kept informed of your options. We’ll then use the evidence we’ve gathered to represent you at your Fitness to Practice hearing and get you the best outcome possible.
If you’re worried about an impending GMC investigation, or you’re already involved in one, call our specialist lawyers on 0808 291 3945 or contact us online.
What If Your Investigation Leads To Criminal Prosecution?
Some GMC investigations can result in criminal prosecution. If you believe you may be at risk of criminal prosecution, you should get in touch with our expert lawyers as soon as possible.
We have experience defending clients from both GMC investigations and criminal investigations. Our expertise in both legal areas is vital in building a robust defence and protecting your professional career.
What Should You Do If You’re Under Investigation By The GMC?
If the GMC informs you that you’re under investigation, it’s important that you fully cooperate with them. It’s helpful if you:
- Provide the GMC with any comments or concerns you have about the complaint or their investigation
- Send the GMC your full employment details when asked
- Contact expert defence lawyers as soon as possible. They will explain the GMC’s procedure to you and protect your best interests from the outset
- Get emotional support or advice to help you manage any stress you’re experiencing from the investigation.
Cooperating with the GMC often allows them to conclude their investigation quickly, but it also helps your defence lawyer to strengthen your position at your hearing.
Why Choose Irwin Mitchell?
We have years of experience defending medical practitioners in General Medical Council investigations. Because we liaise with the GMC regularly, we know how to navigate their procedures to protect your best interests.
We know how stressful investigations can be on your emotional wellbeing and career. We offer support and clear advice from the start, making sure you’re kept informed of everything going on in your investigation.
As the largest full-service firm in the UK, our clients benefit from the experience and expertise from our colleagues in other areas of the law. We work closely with our in-house employment law and criminal law experts, to build robust well-rounded defences for our clients.
We have offices across the UK, so no matter where you’re based we’re on-hand to help.
We understand that your income may be affected the investigation. We offer flexible funding options to help you get the legal representation you need.
If you’re at risk of being investigated by the GMC, or you’re already involved in an investigation, call our regulatory investigation lawyers on 0808 291 3945 or get in touch online.
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