Locus doctors performance check ‘weak link’

A review has highlighted potential weaknesses in the way the performance of locum doctors is checked in the UK.

Since 2012, doctors have had to take part in five-yearly checks, dubbed ’MOTs’, to establish that they are fit to continue working.

The General Medical Council (GMC), who have said that the system is working well, have also raised concerns over the way it was being applied to locums after a review, led by chairman of Health Education England Sir Keith Pearson, claimed that hospitals were ‘unwilling to provide frank feedback’ on locums, often not providing full reasons to agencies for why they do not wish to use the doctor again.

The review also found that regular appraisals were also not being carried out, which the GMC has said was making the assessment of a locum’s performance more difficult.

Charlie Massey, chief executive of the GMC, said: “Revalidation has embedded the system of annual appraisals for doctors, and is integral to assuring patients that a doctor’s fitness to practise is checked regularly, but it is important that we learn and improve the process so all doctors find it a positive experience.

“The report points to evidence that patients expect there to be systems in place for checking that doctors continue to be safe to practise, but they are not generally aware of the important role they can play in this process.

“Sir Keith’s review, and his recommendations, will make an important contribution to further developing revalidation to make sure it is fit for purpose and commands the confidence of all. It took a number of organisations across the UK to work together to set up revalidation in 2012, and we need to same level of commitment now, from all those involved.”

To date, 205,000 of the 230,000 doctors on the medical register have been through the revalidation process.