regulatorydefence

Regulatory Defence secured a reduced sanction for a junior doctor. Instead of erasure, Dr. X received a four-month suspension without a review hearing or immediate suspension order. The General Medical Council (GMC) had originally sought erasure.

The GMC referred Dr. X to a Medical Practitioners Tribunal after a four-year investigation and hearing. Due to the private nature of the hearing and reporting restrictions, further details can’t be provided.

Dr. X first had legal representation from a large national firm and pro-bono barristers. However, they felt disappointed with the representation during both the facts and impairment stages.

With the hearing adjourned part-heard prior to sanction, Dr X was unable to source adequate legal representation until contacting Deans Court Chambers, who in turn kindly signposted Dr X to Regulatory Defence. 

After initial discussions, Regulatory Defence gave Dr. X advice and support. Just 48 hours before the Tribunal reconvened for sanction, Jake Herman was formally instructed. Despite the tight timeline, Jake worked tirelessly to advise Dr. X, prepare the case, and represent him at the virtual Tribunal.

Jake used both written and oral submissions to argue against an immediate suspension order. He highlighted Dr. X’s reflections, insight, remorse, and other mitigating factors to show that erasure was unnecessary. Jake successfully argued for a short suspension as a more appropriate and proportionate response.

Dr. X felt immense relief when the Tribunal concluded with a four-month suspension, no review hearing, and no immediate suspension order.

If you are facing disciplinary proceedings being brought against you by your regulator, then don’t hesitate to contact Regulatory Defence for an no obligation initial consultation. Although Regulatory Defence succeeded in Dr. X’s case with just 48 hours to prepare, the best advice is to seek expert legal help as early as possible. Timely legal advice and representation increase your chances of a successful outcome.