NHS Trust Disciplinary Investigations
Our expert GMC and employment lawyers are experienced in advising and representing doctors in both GMC and NHS Trust disciplinary investigations. When an allegation is raised about a hospital doctor, there is often a Trust investigation, which may lead to internal disciplinary hearings, long before a GMC referral.
It is essential that during an NHS Trust investigation the doctor’s interests are protected not just at Trust level, but also with an eye to any potential GMC referral. We understand how one can impact on the other and work hard to ensure that a doctor's interests are protected both in the NHS Trust’s disciplinary investigation and in relation to any potential referral to the GMC.
Any documents created, including statements made by a doctor in an NHS Trust’s investigation, will form part of the GMC’s evidence in any subsequent GMC investigation. Our lawyers are mindful that a significant number of GMC referrals are made by NHS Trusts. Where possible we will seek to persuade an NHS Trust that a matter has adequately been dealt with, negating the need for a GMC referral.
When advising a doctor who faces an investigation by their Trust, our GMC lawyers and our employment team work together collaboratively to ensure that the best possible outcome is achieved.
Contact UsIs a doctor entitled to be legally represented before the GMC and in NHS Trust Disciplinary Hearings?
A doctor is always entitled to be legally represented before the GMC. However, following an internal NHS Trust investigation, if matters result in a disciplinary hearing, it depends on the level of misconduct alleged. If misconduct is alleged which could result in a doctor’s dismissal, the doctor is entitled to be legally represented.
Professional legal representation may afford a doctor better protection than an unqualified union representative or assistance by a colleague, in both the GMC and NHS Trust disciplinary investigations.
Can you still help me if I’m not entitled to be legally represented in a NHS Trust Disciplinary Hearing?
Yes, even if a doctor is not entitled to be legally represented in an NHS Trust disciplinary hearing, doctors are still entitled to obtain legal advice about their situation.
We have experience of guiding doctors through an NHS Trust disciplinary investigations behind the scenes where necessary, including preparing or assisting with written representations for a doctor to read at a hearing.
This can often be a successful strategy where the doctor is keen to achieve the best possible outcome, but at the same time wishes to balance that with their desire to mend their relationship with the Trust and/or key members of their team. Our service is completely confidential and private to you.
Contact us if you face an NHS Trust investigation, particularly if you are concerned that this may result in a GMC referral, so that we can help you to navigate this difficult process.
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Are you interested in Trust Disciplinary Investigations?
Use the form on the right to get in touch with our team and arrange an initial call to discuss your situation. We will use this no-obligation, fully confidential initial call to learn more about your case and help you understand your options going forward.
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