Coaching for established practitioners - FAQs

I work as a GP locum and my PCT has informed me that they have received a complaint about me from one of the practices that I helped out in while I was staying elsewhere in the country for a while. Why has my PCT got involved and can I ignore their request for a meeting?

All GPs, whether they are partners, salaried or locums and whether they work in one area or across the country have to be on a PCT Performers List. A GP can only be on one Performers List although they may transfer to another PCT's list if they move permanently.

The PCT has a responsibility to manage that list and that includes ensuring that every GP on the list is fit for purpose and is included in annual appraisal arrangements.

Any complaint about the competence of a GP - wherever they have worked in the country - is directed to the PCT who runs the Performers List they are on.

That is why your PCT has become involved and you would be strongly advised to meet them as soon as possible so that you can help them with the investigations they are required to make.

For the last 18 months the clinical director of my unit has been meeting me for review, as there have been a series of allegations about me which I feel are unjust and unfounded. Now he and the head of medical staffing have asked me to choose whether to accept a referral to NCAS (National Clinical Assessment Service) or the Career Development Unit. Do I have to accept and what is the difference between them? Is there any possibility that my GMC registration will be affected?

You would be wise to accept this chance to get your career back on track and understand why you have run into difficulties. It may be helpful for you to discuss the issues with someone who has an open mind and can hep you identify any contributory factors to the problem.

Your GMC registration will not be affected unless you have been referred to the GMC. You are more likely to be referred to the GMC if you refuse to engage in professional development initiatives such as NCAS or CDU referral.

The National Clinical Assessment Service is designed to provide a full and comprehensive clinical and behavioural assessment of a doctor or dentist's competence to practice. It involves a comprehensive assessment package including work based clinical assessment and multisource feedback. Details are available on the NCAS website www.ncas.nhs.uk

The assessment report includes recommendations to your employer for remedial training or development but NCAS do not organise or supervise that recommended educational package although they are usually involved in review.

The Career Development Unit is not designed to provide an assessment of clinical competence but does make an assessment of development need based on a comprehensive report about the issues of concern from your employer (in this case your clinical director and medical staffing). Like NCAS, it provides a personal service resulting in a focused Performance Improvement Plan but, unlike NCAS, the CDU also provides resources and supervision to implement the plan, including personal performance coaching, work shadowing and specific clinical attachments. The CDU can also provide resources to monitor progress and provide evidence of competence. Both NCAS and the CDU provide reports for your employer, including a final progress report containing evidence of progress.