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Watchdog to check on doctors

15/ 7/2002

A NEW watchdog is to be set up to put the authorities on alert as soon as another scenario similar to Harold Shipman arises.

The fast-track watchdog, called the National Clinical Assessment Authority (NCAA), was unveiled by the government on January 8. It will start operating in April.

Its aim is to speed up the process by which professional concerns about doctors come to the attention of the General Medical Council (GMC).

A national 'alert centre', it will receive and rapidly assess concerns about medical performance raised by colleagues or hospital chiefs and, if necessary, demand doctors' suspension.

Most cases will probably involve retraining, but if misconduct or criminal behaviour is suspected the NCAA will tell the hospital or health authority to suspend the doctor and refer him to the GMC.

In the case of Shipman and other doctors who have abused their powers, such as gynaecologist Rodney Ledward, problems were known about and even reported, but no action was taken.

The new body is to be headed by solicitor Jane Wesson, chairman of Harrogate Healthcare NHS Trust.

eds Tameside Advertiser newspaper - January 11, 2001