Who you gonna call?
The GMC has launched a new confidential helpline which doctors can call to raise concerns about patient safety. Callers to 0161 923 6399 can speak to specially trained advisors who will be able to take forward concerns about individual doctors or organisations. The GMC makes it clear that doctors have a duty to put patients’ interests first and act to protect them at all times – this overrides personal and professional loyalties.
www.gmc-uk.org
War on the frontline
Physical attacks and assaults on NHS staff have increased to 59,744 – an increase of 3.3% from the previous year. The total, compiled by NHS Protect, is equivlent to one attack for every 47 NHS staff. 75% of assaults were classiied as “involving medical factors” which meant that the attacker was at the time receiving treatment which was regarded to have contributed to their aggression.
www.bma.org.uk
No thaw on pay
Doctor’s pay should be frozen for a third year say NHS Employers. Their recommendation to the Doctor’s and Dentists’ Review Body is that the unnecessary cost of increasing doctors’ pay would divert creasing doctor’s pay would divert patient services. The BMA is arguing for a minimum 1% uplift across all doctors.
www.nhsemployers.org
GMC fees fall
The GMC fee for newly qualified doctors and those in training has been cut for the second year running. The registration fee for newly qualified doctors will reduce from £195 to £185. Provisional registration will reduce from £95 to £90. For all other doctors holding a registration with a licence to practise the Annual Retention Fee has been frozen at £390.
www.gmc-uk.org
