24 January 2012
Changes introduced by the General Dental Council (GDC) to improve the handling of complaints against dental professionals is beginning to have a positive impact.
The GDC have revealed that progress has been made between 2010 and 2011 in that:
- More cases overall, are being concluded – 18% increase (1,415 vs 1,199);
- Cases are being investigated more quickly – 11% decrease in the time taken to get a case to Investigating Committee;
- The number of cases awaiting a hearing is decreasing – 13.5% decrease in 2011 (164 to 142);and
- The number of cases awaiting a hearing which have been waiting for longer than 9 months is decreasing – 29% decrease (from 72 to 51);
The changes which were brought in last year to improve the quality and speed of complaints handling and to ensure patients are protected effectively, include:
- Increasing the number of decision meetings and hearings aimed at clearing a backlog of cases and reducing delays;
- Fast tracking the most serious cases and dealing proportionately with all other cases; and
- Seeking clinical advice at the outset of particular cases in order to ensure proportionate handling.
Chief Executive and Registrar of the GDC, Evlynne Gilvarry said:
“The measures we have introduced to improve our Fitness to Practise processes are specifically aimed at enhancing patient protection. We have made significant progress in the last 12 months and further reforms planned will see a continued improvement in 2012.”