Professional Conduct Standards

HC Deb 30 June 1998 vol 315 c169W

30. Ann Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to introduce professional conduct standards for all medical staff in the NHS. [46632]

Mr. Milburn

All medical staff in the National Health Service must comply with the existing professional standards set out in the General Medical Council's guidance "Good Medical Practice". The GMC has made it clear that if serious problems arise which call a doctor's registration into question, these are the standards against which such doctors will be judged.

Our White Paper "The New NHS" announced proposals to introduce a duty of clinical governance in the NHS. This will provide a framework of local accountability to ensure staff comply with their professional duties.