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HSC 2003/012 - Maintaining high professional standards in the modern NHS: a framework for the initial handling of concerns about doctors and dentists in the NHS
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Document type:Health Service Circular
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Author:Department of Health
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Published date:29 December 2003
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Primary audience:Professionals
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Series number:HSC 2003/012
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Pages:2
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Copyright holder:Crown
The Restriction of Practice and Exclusion from Work Directions 2003 direct NHS bodies to comply with the framework contained within the document, Maintaining High Professional Standards in the Modern NHS, attached to this circular. This document introduces a new framework for the initial handling and investigation of concerns about the conduct and performance of medical and dental employees. It also introduces a framework for restriction of practice and exclusion from work; this replaces existing guidance on the suspension of doctors and dentists. NHS Trusts and Primary Care Trusts are required to notify Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs) of the action they have taken to comply with the framework by 1 April 2004. HSG94(49) (Disciplinary Procedures for Hospital and Community Medical and Hospital Dental Staff) will be withdrawn on that date. SHAs are required to provide a report on local implementation of the framework to the Secretary of State by 30 September 2004
In February 2005, the Department of Health published the remaining three parts of this framework covering new disciplinary procedures for doctors and dentists employed in the NHS. These are:
- Part III: Conduct hearings and disciplinary matters;
- Part IV: Procedures for dealing with issues of capability;
- Part V: Handling concerns about a practitioner's health.
These were agreed with the British Medical Association and British Dental Association. As with Parts I and II, Parts III, IV, and V of the framework have been drafted in close collaboration with NHS Employers and the National Clinical Assessment Authority.
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