Winter pressures - letter to the profession

The four UK CMOs, Stephen Powis, NHSE Medical Director and Charlie Massey, GMC CEO have written to the service across the UK in primary and secondary care on the need to recognise how the context and environment of winter pressures will impact on clinical decision making and actions.

'In such challenging times when you may need to depart from established procedures to care for people, we understand some could be fearful that they will be referred to your regulator. Please be assured that your professional code and principles of practice are there to guide and support your judgments and decision-making in all circumstances. This includes taking into account local realities and the need at times to adapt practice at times of significantly increased national pressure. In the unlikely event that you are referred to your professional regulator, they will consider the context you were working in at the time, including all relevant resources, guidelines or protocols.

'It is the responsibility of all providers commissioned by the NHS and healthcare leaders to ensure that all clinicians working in their organisations are well supported in their work, and that channels for raising and acting on concerns remain open and accessible to all staff. We expect employers, educational supervisors, professional bodies, national health and social care organisations to be flexible in recognition of the challenging and changing landscape we are likely to face.'

The full version of the letter can be found on GMC website.