NHS ‘moves closer to doctor checks’

The Department of Health has announced progress towards revalidation for all doctors on the NHS.

It has announced the establishment of an implementation team for England backed by one million of funding.

The government said this team is made up of senior doctors who will provide support, advice and leadership to design a process to make sure all doctors meet sufficient standards.

It will work alongside colleagues and other stakeholders in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to make sure professionals, commissioners of NHS services and employers are involved in the design and implementation of the new procedures.

Lucy Warner has been appointed as chief executive of the team, with Maurice Conlon as national director and Martin Shelly as national clinical lead.

Its medical directors are Jo Anthony, Keith Judkins and Nick Lyons.

Liam Donaldson, chief medical officer, said: “The news that the NHS Revalidation Support Team is now in place marks an important step forward in the process of introducing revalidation for doctors in England.”

He added their appointment is good new for patients and the profession alike.

Last month, the Department of Health announced the publication of its fourth quarterly survey of practice based commission for GPs.