Health Secretary Wes Streeting has called for “reassurances” from the General Medical Council (GMC) following reports that doctors who change their gender identity are issued new registrations without links to any previous disciplinary action.
According to an investigation by The Daily Telegraph, the GMC confirmed that doctors who transition receive a new GMC registration and number, which is not connected on the public register to their previous identity. This effectively means that any past suspensions or disciplinary action would not be publicly visible under their new registration.
However, the GMC has maintained that it retains internal links between old and new records, ensuring that a doctor cannot use a new registration to avoid regulatory scrutiny.
‘Extremely concerning’ situation
Mr Streeting has expressed deep concerns about the matter, stating that such a practice “should not have been allowed to happen.”
“It is completely within the power of the GMC to find a workaround for this that ensures transparency for patients while also preserving the protections of the Equality Act,” the Health Secretary said. “I expect them to make reassurances that they will address this.”
Reports indicate that 62 doctors have received new GMC numbers after transitioning. However, it remains unclear whether any of them had faced disciplinary action prior to their new registration.
The situation has sparked debate over the balance between patient safety and privacy protections for transgender doctors, particularly given the importance of public trust in the medical profession.
GMC defends current approach
The GMC, which maintains the official register of doctors practising in the UK, has responded to the controversy by stressing that all necessary safeguards remain in place to uphold medical standards and patient safety.
A spokesperson for the GMC said:
“This is a complex area and we have to balance a number of competing interests. However, our focus remains on protecting the public, maintaining public confidence, and upholding professional standards.
“When a doctor transitions, they can receive a new GMC number, but we retain the connection between their two records internally for regulatory purposes – this includes historic fitness to practise cases.
“The creation of a new record cannot be used as a way to circumvent investigation of concerns.”
The GMC also highlighted that all registered doctors must practise under the name recorded on the public register, ensuring that patients can verify their credentials.
Public concern over transparency
The GMC’s register serves as a vital tool for ensuring transparency in the medical profession. It records disciplinary actions against doctors, including suspensions, and is publicly accessible.
Suspensions lasting more than three months typically remain on the register for 15 years, while shorter suspensions are recorded for 10 years. This allows patients and employers to check whether a doctor has faced any serious professional misconduct allegations in the past.
However, under the current system, a doctor who has transitioned would appear on the register under their new name and number, without any public indication of past disciplinary action. Critics argue this could allow doctors with a history of misconduct to practise without full transparency.
Concerns have been raised about how this policy aligns with the principles of patient safety and accountability, especially in cases where past disciplinary issues were of a serious nature.
Balancing privacy and public safety
While some argue that full transparency is essential to maintaining trust in the healthcare system, others emphasise the importance of protecting the privacy and safety of transgender doctors.
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Some doctors receive new GMC numbers due to threats to their safety, rather than transitioning. The GMC has stated that in all cases, the internal connection between old and new records remains intact, ensuring that no doctor can erase their past.
In its response, the GMC also noted that patients seeking care from a doctor of a specific sex or gender would typically be able to request this through their healthcare provider.
“The primary purpose of the Medical Register is to confirm that doctors have the appropriate training, skills, and experience,” the GMC spokesperson added.
“Patients who want to see a doctor of a particular sex or gender are more likely to seek, and be able to obtain this, from their local healthcare providers.”
Calls for policy review
In light of the revelations, there are increasing calls for the GMC to review its approach and introduce a system that better balances transparency with privacy protections.
The debate is likely to continue in the coming weeks, with pressure mounting on the GMC to clarify whether its current policies adequately protect both patient safety and the rights of transgender doctors.
For now, Mr Streeting has made it clear that he expects action:
“I will be seeking reassurances from the GMC that they will ensure transparency for patients while upholding the rights of all doctors. This issue is too important to ignore.”
