GMC & MDU/MDUSL

- - doctors who seriously or persistently fail to follow the new guidance 'will' find their registration at risk. This is a change from the previous version of GMP, which used the word 'may'.

Dr Peter Tomlin, secretary of the suspended doctors group of the Society of Clinical Psychiatrists, criticised the change. He said: 'This is a not-so-subtle means of coercing doctors to follow guidance which may or may not be in the best interest of their particular patients.'- - Hospital Doctor (News, p.3) 14 September 2006

The body that defends doctors needs urgent medical attention The Times 15 September 2006 (Comment p.19)
and
MDU in turmoil (News Feature, p.6)

- - “In 1885 the MDU was created to defend doctors against legal action - - for most of its existence it was quietly helping doctors - - at its own discretion” p.6.

- - "just as it was the integrity of practitioners that the MDU was set up to protect, it is now the integrity of the MDU itself that is being questioned. - - Its four independent directors - - have felt the need to resign because of their concerns over the transparency of the books and “other aspects of good corporate governance practice”.

Some of the 170,000 doctors and other practitioners who belong to the MDU and pay up to £7,000 a year into its funds - - may wish to acquaint themselves with the issues before next Tuesday’s annual meeting, at which they can make their voices heard."

(see also Consultant psychiatrist let down)