09 March 2001
In a sign of falling public confidence following a series of scandals, the General Medical Council said it had suspended 25 doctors on emergency banning orders, which were introduced six months ago in response to the Harold Shipman case. Complaints rose by 50% in 2000.
Nurses, who have hitherto enjoyed high levels of public approval, also faced more complaints. Their watchdog, the UK Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting (UKCC), reported that allegations of misconduct had increased by 16% last year, though doctors attract about four times as many complaints as nurses.
The UKCC struck off 113 nurses last year compared with 74 in 1999.
Christine Hancock, general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, was upbeat despite the increase. 'It's a positive trend that patients and their families feel they have the right and are able to raise concerns.'
PFmar2001
