Fitness to practise investigations are, by their nature, highly stressful. They place practitioners, patients, and witnesses under significant pressure, often in emotionally charged situations. While regulators have a duty to protect the public and maintain professional standards, compassion must sit alongside this obligation. Compassion goes beyond empathy; it requires an active commitment to understanding individuals …
An orthodontist promoting the controversial “mewing” technique has been struck off the dental register due to serious allegations of malpractice. Mike Mew, who claims that dental issues can be corrected through specific muscle exercises, came under scrutiny after a six-year-old patient suffered seizure-like episodes from his treatment. The General Dental Council (GDC) highlighted that Mew’s …
Undertakings in Fitness to Practise: A Double-Edged Sword? Undertakings have become an increasingly common tool in fitness to practise proceedings across various healthcare regulators. Whilst ostensibly designed to protect the public, some argue they provide a means for practitioners to sidestep a formal impairment finding. This article examines the dual nature of undertakings and their …
Welcome to Legal Jukebox Friday: Legal Jukebox Friday is your weekly dose of lively discussions where we randomly select a legal case to explore and why it may assist those practising in regulatory law, including solicitors, adjudicators and healthcare professionals. While some of these cases may be considered classics, they remain relevant and are worth revisiting. So, …
PSA v GDC & Naveed Patel: A Landmark Ruling Reshaping Fitness-to-Practise Cases The recent ruling in PSA v GDC & Naveed Patel marks a significant shift in how fitness-to-practise cases involving criminal convictions are assessed. This landmark decision brings much-needed flexibility and fairness to the regulatory landscape, offering a long-awaited update for regulatory committees and …
The 2017 Supreme Court ruling in Michalak v General Medical Council [2017] UKSC 71 stands as a pivotal moment in the realm of professional regulation in the UK. This landmark decision has significantly impacted how professionals can challenge their regulators, particularly in fitness to practise matters. By opening a new avenue through Employment Tribunals, the …
A distressing account detailed in The Times sheds light on the tragic murder of ten-month-old Finley Boden at the hands of his drug-abusing parents and the systemic failures within care agencies. The report uncovers a harrowing reality: Finley suffered a savage attack, enduring 130 injuries inflicted by his parents, Stephen Boden and Shannon Marsden. In …
The NHS Introduces “Martha’s Rule” to Enhance Patient Communication and Safety Background: In a bid to address concerns regarding delayed responses to deteriorating patient conditions, the National Health Service (NHS) in England is implementing a new initiative called “Martha’s Rule.” This follows the tragic case of Martha Mills, who tragically passed away in 2021 after …
The surge of healthcare influencers on social media has created a double-edged sword for UK healthcare professionals (HCPs). While these platforms offer opportunities for professional development, public engagement, and connecting with like-minded individuals, the growing influence of online personalities and the ever-evolving social media landscape can leave HCPs navigating a treacherous ethical and legal minefield. …
An Unforeseen Incident On September 27, 2022, at the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre, an event occurred that raised concerns about patient safety and medical professional well-being. Dr. Thomas Herbst, an anaesthetist entrusted with safeguarding a patient undergoing shoulder arthroscopy, experienced a lapse in judgment and succumbed to sleep mid-procedure. This incident, fortunately without …