It is known that doctors from outside the UK and BME doctors within the UK are more likely to be referred to the GMC by their employers than their UK qualified or white peers. Today’s GMC report highlights a number of causes of higher rates of referrals for these groups of doctors.
The report found that a number of factors are responsible for the disparity in GMC referral rates. These include poor feedback being given to doctors, poor induction for doctors from different cultural environments and doctors being left to work in isolation.
The report includes a number of recommendations such as improving induction, feedback and support for doctors new to the UK.
In response to the findings RCSEd President, Professor Mike Griffin, said:
“The findings of the GMC’s “Fair to Refer” report are clear. There are a number of areas those involved in supporting doctors from outside the UK and BME doctors need to address. RCSEd is involved in supporting doctors from abroad working in the NHS through its International Postgraduate Deanery, one of the benefits of which is the comprehensive induction all doctors from outside of the UK receive.
As a College we are committed to ensuring the NHS offers equal opportunities and full support to all of its doctors. We will be reviewing the report in further detail to see what more we can do as a College to address the issues identified and to ensure that all BME surgeons, and those from outside the UK, receive the induction, feedback and ongoing support they require. These are a vital group of doctors who contribute so much to the NHS and must be valued.”