UK News 10-12-2004 Doctors` Watchdog Fails Patients who: General Medical Council what: Accused of putting doctors` interests before those of their patients when: Yesterday snippet: An inquiry into the crimes of GP Harold Shipman has concluded that Britain`s doctors put their own interests before those of their patients and has heavily criticised the General Medical Council (GMC) for failing to protect patients from rogue doctors. Inquiry chairman Dame Janet Smith has "demanded that the council reform its constitution," says The Telegraph, "and introduce more openness to its disciplinary procedures." "The 1,300-page report lists more than 100 recommendations for change of which more than half are targeted at the GMC," says The Independent. "It only just stops short of recommending the abolition of the GMC." "The old culture of protecting the interests of doctors lingers on for the majority of GMC members," says Dame Janet. "A significant change of culture is necessary... However, I do not feel confident that it will do so." "Shipman, who practised alone in Hyde, Greater Manchester, killed at least 215 patients with morphine injections," recalls The Mirror. "The GMC let him carry on practising, despite a drug conviction in 1976. He would probably have only been `put on probation` had the GMC disciplined him." [... more]

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