10.08.12
Patient organisations call for revalidation
Nine patient organisations are calling on the UK government to confirm revalidation will go ahead at the end of this year. They state that patients need to know their doctor is competent and safe to practise.
A written statement to health secretary Andrew Lansley has been signed by National Voices, Patients Association, National Association of LINks Members, National Association for Patient Participation, Academy of Medical Royal Colleges Patient/Lay Group, Action against Medical Accidents, Scotland Patients Association, Board of Community Health Councils in Wales, Patient and Client Council (Northern Ireland).
The statement reads: “We support the revalidation of doctors and the additional assurance it will provide patients about the doctors who treat them. Many patients believe this happens already and are surprised to learn that this is not yet the case across the UK.
“Revalidation will be an important statement that a doctor is competent in their area of practice. We recognise the contribution that revalidation can make over time to the quality and safety of care that patients receive.
“We trust that the Secretary of State for Health will make this decision with the views and interests of patients paramount by ensuring there is no further delay in revalidating doctors’ licences.”
Niall Dickson, chief executive of the General Medical Council, welcomed the support and said: “The new system will make sure that every doctor in the UK can demonstrate that they are a good doctor and up to date – it will also mean that their employers have to provide them with the support and information they need to practise safely.
“We have been talking about this reform for more than ten years – now we need to get on with it.”
To view the statement, visit: www.gmc-uk.org/Medical_revalidation___a_statement_of_support_from_UK_patient_organisations_FINAL.pdf_49303617.pdf
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]