College comments on refreshed Good Medical Practice

The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (“the College”) has commented on the publication by the GMC of the revised Good Medical Practice. Good Medical Practice sets out the principles, values and standards expected of all doctors working in the UK. The revised publication is the first major update to the guidance in 10 years and will come into force at the end of January next year.

Commenting Professor Andrew Elder, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, said:

The College welcomes the refreshed Good Medical Practice and was pleased to participate in the consultation process that informed its development.

Good Medical Practice is the fundamental piece of guidance which helps doctors deliver safe, ethical care to their patients to the highest possible standard and it is appropriate that it is reviewed with a view to improving and enhancing it.

We support the continuing and clear focus on patient safety and the emphasis on those with management or leadership roles ensuring that all healthcare environments are ones that facilitate all healthcare workers to talk openly and freely about errors and patient safety concerns.”

 We also fully support the new focus on tackling sexual harassment of colleagues and the clear definitions of what constitutes this harassment, including verbal or written comments and displaying or sharing images, as well as physical contact. The College has consistently supported a zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment and we consider this strengthened guidance is a positive step forward.

I would urge all Fellows and Members working in the UK to take the time to read the new and reformed sections of the guidance and ensure they are familiar with it ahead of it coming into force at the end of January 2024.