25.11.15
Doctors told to report unfit drivers to DVLA
Doctors must tell the DVLA about patients who continue to drive even when they are medically unfit to do so, says the General Medical Council (GMC).
The regulator is strengthening its guidance after feedback from doctors revealed they often feel “anxious” about being criticised if they disclose information.
Under new draft guidance, which is part of a public consultation, the GMC provides extra clarity that “if a patient does pose a risk of serious harm to the public by continuing to drive when they are not fit to do so, the doctor should contact the DVLA or DVA, even if they do not have the patient’s consent to do so”.
Niall Dickson, CEO of the GMC, said: ‘Doctors often find themselves in challenging situations. This is difficult territory – most patients will do the sensible thing but the truth is that a few will not and may not have the insight to realise that they are a risk to others behind the wheel of a car.
“A confidential medical service is a public good and trust is an essential part of the doctor-patient relationship. But confidentiality is not absolute and doctors can play an important part in keeping the wider public safe if a patient is not safe to drive.
“We are clear that doctors carrying out their duty will not face any sanction - and this new guidance makes clear that we will support those who are faced with these difficult decisions.”
The consultation on Confidentiality, including reporting concerns to the DVLA, will run from today (25 November 2015) to 10 February 2016.
Dr Maureen Baker, chair of the Royal College of GPs, that GPs have a duty of care to their patients, but they also have a responsibility to the wider community and this often leads to having to make difficult decisions.
“We do follow up on recommendations we make, and in some cases - if a patient hasn't self-reported - we do take this step on their behalf,” she said. ““We are bound by the GMC to report a patient to the appropriate organisation, such as the DVLA if a patient is unfit to drive, when we know they pose a risk to themselves or to others.”
Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, stated that thirty-seven million drivers depend on the car for getting about and for those with serious medical conditions there is a real fear around losing their license.
“But with the right treatment many illnesses will not lead to people having to hang up the keys. The worst thing motorists can do is ignore medical advice,” he said. “If they don’t tell the DVLA about something that impacts on their ability to drive safely then their GP will.”
(Image: c. Jonathan Brady/PA)