New standards of professional performance for doctors, backed by the threat of immediate suspension or dismissal from the National Health Service, are expected to be published by the Department of Health shortly.
A spokesman for the Department told The Journal on November 10 that a report drawn up by the Department's chief medical officer (Professor Liam Donaldson) was to be published within the next few days. An announcement was expected to be made by the Secretary of State for Health (Mr Alan Milburn).
According to an article in the Sunday Telegraph on November 7, Professor Donaldson's report will propose a new regime of regular inspections for both general medical practitioners and hospital doctors. Performance targets will be set against which doctors' work will be audited.
Health authorities would be given the power to suspend or dismiss poorly performing doctors immediately, without having to wait for lengthy disciplinary procedures to be completed.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has drawn up proposals for new disciplinary machinery. The proposals would give the power to recommend a range of orders against pharmacists, including suspension from the register, retraining or restrictions on conditions of practice, rather than just having to decide for or against a striking off order.