GMC to set up support networks

The General Medical Council has announced that it is to set up a series of regional networks to provide local support to doctors and others.

These support networks will have two uses – one group will give advice and support to doctors on revalidation and the others will work with and support to postgraduate deans, medical schools, Local Medical Committees.

Niall Dickson, the Chief Executive of the General Medical Council, said: “We are moving into a new era of regulation. We cannot simply wait for others to bring us their problems, we need to reach out and offer support.

“We need to understand what is going on at local level and to be able to have an ongoing dialogue with everyone from doctors' organisations and employers to medical schools and patient groups. We want to be there working with our partners on the ground and understanding their needs and issues.

“There was a time when the GMC was seen as the body which was only interested when things went wrong - today we are responsible for setting standards throughout medical education as well as professional standards which apply throughout every doctor's career. To do that well we have to reach out.”