Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make it his policy that doctors (a) should have a mandatory duty to report suspected cases abuse and neglect and (b) should be given immunity from suit after reporting such cases.

Doctors have a professional duty, in accordance with the General Medical Council’s Good medical practice, to act promptly if they think that patient safety is or may be seriously compromised. This includes ensuring a patient is receiving basic care to meet their needs and ensuring there are adequate premises, equipment, resources, and policies. Doctors must also consider the needs and welfare of people who may be vulnerable and offer help if they have concerns that a patient, or someone close to them, may be at risk of abuse or neglect. If doctors have concerns that a colleague may not be fit to practise, or that patient safety may be put at risk, they must also take action, including reporting cases if necessary.

Failure to uphold and adhere to the principles within Good medical practice and the related guidance will put a professionals’ registration with the General Medical Council at risk. Doctors in leadership roles must create an environment where people can talk about concerns safely. The Government supports the right of staff working in the National Health Service to speak up, and has put in place measures to support staff to raise a concern, including legal protections for whistle-blowers. My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has no current plans to introduce additional measures to protect doctors from being sued after reporting suspected cases of abuse and neglect.