Urological General Medical Council (GMC) fitness to practice complaints in the UK: an analysis over the last 14 years (2007–2021) based on trends, ethnicity and outcomes

Abstract

To present the number and outcomes of urological referrals to the General Medical Council (GMC) and provide a breakdown of the doctors' demographics. Data were requested and collected from the GMC under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 for all complaints about urologists between 2007 and 2021 (14-year period). Between 2007 and 2021 a total of 635 urologists were referred to the GMC, totalling 734 referrals (1.15 referrals/doctor). Of these, 50% (364) were closed following a provisional enquiry (PE; 1 month) and another 43% were investigated but no action was taken. Action was taken for only 7% of urologists (49); these urologists were given advice, required to do extra training, suspended from practice, or erased from the medical register. Compared to the current urology workforce, a marginally higher proportion of those referred were international medical graduates or from diverse backgrounds. For urologists unfairly referred to the GMC it is reassuring to know that half of cases are closed at a PE. Of those investigated, only 7% of urologists were given sactions, suspension or given extra training. Reassuringly, our data demonstrate a robust process of GMC investigation, with most doctors going back into work following suitable complaints and, over the last 14 years, only nine urologists received sanctions, two of whom were erased from the medical register. There were only marginal differences when comparing our data to the current urologist population with regard to race and location of primary medical qualification. Conversely, the male-to-female split was more heavily weighted towards males being referred to the GMC.