Error-prone doctors may be forced to say sorry if they make a mistake under proposed rules
FAMILY doctors will have to apologise to patients if they make a mistake under rules proposed by regulators.
The General Medical Council says an apology may also be considered if a GP comes before a fitness to practice panel.
Doctors who fail to blow the whistle about a GP who is causing concerns could also face stricter sanctions.
It is essential that any action resulting from these proposals is not used as an excuse to criticise doctors
The GMC says the scheme will “improve patient protection and public confidence in doctors”.
A consultation process will end on November 14. But Helen Stokes-Lampard, of the Royal College of General Practitioners, sounded a note of caution.
She said: “It is essential that any action resulting from these proposals is not used as an excuse to criticise doctors.”