Simon Eastwood represents Singapore-based doctor in GMC proceedings

Simon Eastwood, who instructed Adrian Hopkins QC of Serjeants Inn chambers, recently represented a Singapore-based doctor in relation to fitness to practise proceedings brought by the  General Medical Council (GMC). The investigation arose following action taken by the Singapore Medical Council against the doctor’s registration, with the GMC deciding to investigate the same matters despite the fact that, although the doctor had held GMC registration for many years, he had never practised in the UK.   The doctor had no intention of ever practising in the UK, but was nevertheless compelled to participate in the GMC’s investigation into his fitness to practise.

In the context of the fitness to practise proceedings, which were due to culminate in a hearing before the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS), the GMC was invited to consider allowing the doctor to voluntarily erase his name from the medical register, to avoid him needing to go through the stress and expense of attending and/or being represented at the hearing.  Prior to the start of the hearing, we were able to secure administrative approval of the application for voluntary erasure, thus avoiding the substantive MPTS hearing, or any findings being made.

The case highlights the international reach of healthcare regulation, with information often shared reciprocally between the UK regulators and those of other countries.  If you are a doctor with an international practice and are facing such a situation, contact us for the advice and support you need.