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SUPPORTING DOCTORS AND PATIENTS

Fair, robust processes for when concerns are raised

We help you respond to concerns about doctors, run appraisal and revalidation well, and get consent right, so patients are protected and doctors are treated fairly.

GUIDANCE WE WORK TO

✓ NHS England: Responding to concerns about medical practice.

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✓ Medical Practitioners Assurance Framework (MPAF)

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✓ GMC revalidation requirements 

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✓ GMC guidance on decision-making and consent

How you respond matters as much as the outcome

When a concern is raised about a doctor, a slow, unclear or inconsistent process puts patients at risk, damages trust and can leave your organisation exposed if the case is later examined by the GMC, the CQC or a court. The same is true of appraisal and consent: the gaps rarely show until something goes wrong.

How we help

Responding to concerns about doctors

Clear, fair processes for handling concerns about a doctor's conduct or capability, from first report to outcome.

  • Triaging concerns consistently

  • Setting up investigations and terms of reference

  • Sharing information with the GMC and other organisations

  • Keeping records that stand up to scrutiny

Appraisal and revalidation

Assurance that your appraisal system supports safe, well-evidenced revalidation recommendations.

  • Quality assurance of appraisals

  • Avoiding conflicts of interest

  • Whole-practice appraisal across NHS and private work

  • Support for your Responsible Officer

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Consent

Consent processes that reflect GMC guidance and current case law.

  • Reviewing consent policies and forms

  • How doctors discuss risks and alternatives

  • Documenting consent properly

  • Training for clinicians

The standards we review against include

CQC Regulations

GMC Good Medical Practice

Paterson Inquiry

Responsible Officer Regulations

ISCAS Code of Practice

PHIN

GIRFT

Dr Lorcan Sheppard, Special Adviser to Healthcare Legal Consultancy

Led by a Responsible Officer since 2012

Dr Lorcan Sheppard has been a Responsible Officer for a number of independent providers since revalidation began, and has spent over 10 years as a Chief Medical Officer. He works alongside our founders, who bring over 25 years of NHS legal experience.

How we work

1

Talk to us

A 30-minute conversation about your organisation, your concerns and what the review should cover.

2

Agree the scope

A clear proposal setting out what we will do, when, and the cost.

3

Practical support

Hands on help from people who have done the job, ending with a clear plan you can act on.

Frequently asked questions

Talk to us in confidence

Send us a short message and we will arrange a call at a time that suits you to talk through your processes, or a situation you are dealing with now. No obligation.

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