The Professional Standards Authority notes the decision of the Court of Appeal today to uphold Dr Bawa-Garba’s appeal against the General Medical Council. The Authority was an interested party in the appeal. The Authority’s jurisdiction covers decisions of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal and the eight other health care providers. Given the importance of the issues that were considered in this case, and that the court’s decision had the potential to have an impact on the regulation of health and social care professionals beyond the specific circumstances of this case, the Authority felt it was important to intervene in this case.
Mark Stobbs, Director of Scrutiny and Quality, said: ‘Jack Adcock’s death was tragic, and we continue to extend our sympathy to his parents and family. In legal terms, this case raised some important issues. Our submission was quoted in the Court of Appeal’s judgment and was clearly useful. The decision helpfully confirms our understanding of the approach the courts are likely to take in such cases.’
ENDS
Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care
Contact: Christine Braithwaite
Director Standards and Policy
Reception: 020 7389 8030
E: Christine.Braithwaite@professionalstandards.org.uk
Notes to the Editor
- The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care oversees nine statutory bodies that regulate health and social care professionals in the UK.
- The Authority has the power to refer final fitness to practise decisions made by the nine regulators it oversees to the High Court. It may also join an appeal by the General Medical Council. The Authority chose not to appeal the original decision by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service in respect of Dr Bawa-Garba. Our decision can be found here.
- We also set standards for organisations holding voluntary registers for health and social care occupations and accredit those that meet them.
- We share good practice and knowledge, conduct research and introduce new ideas to our sector. We monitor policy developments in the UK and internationally and provide advice on issues relating to professional standards in health and social care.
- We do this to promote the health, safety and wellbeing of users of health and social care services and the public. We are an independent body, accountable to the UK Parliament.
- Our values are at the heart of who we are and what we do. We are committed to being impartial, fair, accessible and consistent in the application of our values.
- More information about our work and the approach we take is available at www.professionalstandards.org.uk