PMETB had already recognised that when standards of training were not up to the mark then the units should be de-recognised for training. And historically the Royal Colleges, who were responsible for approving training bodies, had taken the same approach. We even know of one famous London Teaching Hospital that was temporarily derecognised in order to tempt the consultants away from their golf course.

Alas the new GMC-PMETB conglomerate has a different view.

In their consultation around the new body to regulate training they have proposed that:-

"Where there are failings in delivery, the options available to the GMC are limited. Withdrawing training recognition will always be a last resort because patients rely on trainees to deliver day to day care."

(you can read the full document here - turn to paragraph 43.)

This seems to fly in the face of the last 50 years of progress from PMETB

When a hospital, or a department, cannot provide training then we believe it should be derecognised. The service to patients should be delivered by non-trainees. The use of trainees to prop up a clinical service is no longer acceptable.

Fortunately the GMC have not completely closed their mind on this, and you have an opportunity to comment. You can pass your own comments at their online consultation - it is Review Recommendation 3 that needs to be addressed.

Remedy hopes that as many people as possible can take part in this consultation.