Doctors in Northern Ireland could face regular checks on their standards of treatment under new proposals unveiled today.
The General Medical Council (GMC) wants to see additional scrutiny of medics’ performance.
A poll today suggested patients would welcome the greater reassurance and a consultation document on the subject has been released.
GMC chief executive Niall Dickson said: “We know that patients in this country justifiably trust their doctors and that is vital for good medical practice. But many also think that every doctor is already subjected to regular checks, and this is not the case - what this poll shows is that they would welcome further assurance".
“We believe the new system of revalidation will achieve that by showing that their doctor is up to date and fit to practise".
“It should become an integral part of high quality care in Northern Ireland and throughout the UK and if we get it right, we will lead the world.”
The GMC is currently consulting on how revalidation will work and is keen for anyone affected, including both doctors and patients, to respond to its plans.
One of the proposals is that the checks on doctors should include feedback from their patients.
Those responding in the poll expressed overwhelming support for this idea, with 96 per cent agreeing that feedback from patients should be taken into account in reviewing a doctor’s practice.
PA