by Joe Jeffrey
GEM, RAC Foundation and Institute of Advanced Motorists speak on new GMC ruling surrounding GPs reporting unfit drivers
Road safety and breakdown recovery organisations have spoken out on the General Medical Council’s (GMC) decision to call on GPs to report patients who who are not ‘medically fit’ to drive.
The GMC this week strengthened its advice, pointing out that doctors play an important role in keeping the wider public safe by contacting the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to report those who many cause a potential threat behind the wheel owing to either age or illness.
In new draft guidance, the GMC said doctors have a public protection duty to inform the DVLA when patient continues to drive against advice, with an aim to enable doctors to balance both legal and ethical duties of confidentiality with wider public protection responsibilities.
The guidance states that doctors must disclose information if there is a need to protect individuals or the wider public from the risks death or serious harm.
Now, amidst fears of many losing their licence, GEM Motoring Assist has let to the GMC’s defence to support new measures set to be implemented.
GEM chief executive, David Williams MBE, said: “Thankfully most people accept that there are good reasons why certain medical conditions or drugs make it unsafe for them to be driving. But there are some who see it as their right to drive, regardless of what risks they may be posing, to themselves and to others.
“It is in situations such as this that doctors must place public safety above patient confidentiality.
“GEM wants everyone to drive safely for as long as possible, but anyone of any age whose ability to do this is compromised by a medical condition or certain drugs must heed the advice of a medical professional and not drive. If they choose to ignore these warnings, then they are creating an unacceptable risk, not only for themselves but for anyone who happens to get in their way. Public safety must be the priority here.”
Steve Gooding of the RAC Foundation, meanwhile, highlighted the potential concern faced by many once these new measures are put into place, saying: “Thirty-seven million drivers depend on the car for getting about and for those with serious medical conditions there is a real fear around losing their licence.
“But with the right treatment, many illnesses will not lead to people having to hang up the keys.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) also weighed in on the issue, with director of policy and research, Neil Greig, saying: “Clarifying the role of GPs is a very positive road safety move.
“Our research shows that drivers are much more likely to listen to a medical professional giving them advice about giving up driving than to their friends or family.”
Now it’s over to you. What’s your opinion on this? Could you be affected by this new policy?
