Almost one in three doctors investigated by GMC ‘have suicidal thoughts’

Almost one in three UK doctors investigated by the General Medical Council (GMC) think about taking their own life, a survey has found.

Many doctors under investigation feel they are treated as “guilty until proven innocent” and face “devastating” consequences, the Medical Protection Society (MPS) said.

Its survey of 197 doctors investigated by the GMC over the last five years found:

• 31% said they had suicidal thoughts.
• 8% had quit medicine and another 29% had thought about doing so.
• 78% said the investigation damaged their mental health.
• 91% said it triggered stress and anxiety.

The MPS, which represents doctors accused of wrongdoing, accused the GMC of lacking compassion, being heavy-handed and failing to appreciate its impact on doctors.

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Source: The Guardian, 27 April 2023