The GMC and NHSS CFS: Working together to stamp out fraud
The GMC and NHSS CFS: Working together to stamp out fraud
By Jane Todd, Head of Scottish Affairs, GMC Scotland
Established in 1858, the General Medical Council (GMC) is the independent regulator for doctors in the United Kingdom. Its statutory purpose is to protect, promote and maintain the health and safety of the public by ensuring proper standards in the practice of medicine. The GMC determines the principles and values that underpin good medical practice and takes firm but fair action where those standards have not been met.
The GMC is committed to working with the National Health Services Scotland Counter Fraud Services (NHSS CFS) and other partners to deliver clearer standards and stronger safeguards. This includes putting arrangements in place to ensure the exchange of information that is necessary to strengthen patient safety and protect the public interest.
The devolved Scottish Government launched a new strategy to counter fraud in the National Health Service (NHS) on 28 January 2008. At this high level event, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the GMC and NHSS CFS took place. Both organisations were delighted that the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, Nicola Sturgeon, also signed the MoU as an indication of the Scottish Government's support. She described the GMC as an ‘NHS counter-fraud champion'.
This Memorandum foresees the exchange of information between both organisations. For example information and documentation will be exchanged between NHSS CFS and the GMC where there are allegations that a doctor working in the NHS has acted dishonestly or fraudulently. Similarly, where NHSS CFS has information that brings into question a doctor's conduct or performance, separately from any issues of fraudulent behaviour, this information will also be shared with the GMC. A similar MoU underpins the GMC's working relations with NHS CFS in England & Wales. The MoUs have helped to streamline the administration of information sharing and have made the process more effective.
The Memorandum of Understanding between NHSS CFS and the GMC can be read at http://www.gmc-uk.org/about/partners/nhs_scotland_counter_fraud_services.asp
For more information about the GMC please see http://www.gmc-uk.org/ or contact Jane Todd, Head of Scottish Affairs, at JTodd@gmc-uk.org or telephone +44 131 525 8700.
