The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has launched a consultation on changes to legislation governing the General Medical Council (GMC), aiming to make it easier to strike off doctors who use racist or antisemitic language, particularly on social media. The DHSC says there have been 'too many' recent examples of such behaviour without swift action.
The reforms, described as the biggest in four decades, would give the GMC new powers to challenge interim decisions of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS). The Professional Standards Authority would also gain greater scrutiny and challenge powers.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated: 'The NHS is a universal health service, which means that everyone, regardless of race, religion or belief should feel safe seeking its care. It is unacceptable that this is not the current reality for many patients and staff, and I will not allow it to continue.'
Labour peer John Mann, who conducted a rapid review of antisemitism and racism in the NHS, described the current system as 'too slow and too cumbersome'. His recommendations are expected imminently, with ministers consulting on the first of these.
However, the line regarding anti-Zionist and pro-Palestinian views remains contentious. Doctors facing disciplinary action over wearing symbols or social media posts have sued hospital trusts, arguing their beliefs are protected under the Equality Act 2010.
GMC chief executive Charlie Massey welcomed the reforms, saying they would allow the regulator to 'respond more quickly and flexibly when patient safety is at risk' and help patients navigate complaints more easily.
