§ Mr. BoyceTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she takes to ensure that she is in possession of all relevant information when hearing an appeal by a doctor against a penalty imposed by a tribunal hearing a disciplinary action.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe procedures for dealing with appeals against family health services authority decisions on complaints against general practitioners are set out in the National Health Service (Service Committee and Tribunal) Regulations. Copies of the regulations are available in the Library.
In determining an appeal, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will inquire into the whole of the complaint, and take into account any evidence that was available to the committee which heard the complaint and of any further information, if any, that has been presented on appeal. Where appropriate, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State may appoint persons to hold an oral hearing of the appeal and to report their findings, and may also seek advice from the Medical Advisory Committee as to whether a penalty should be imposed.