Written question asked by Chris Ruane (Labour) on Friday, 30 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 February 2004. It was answered by Maria Eagle (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 February 2004 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many SchlumbergerSema examining medical practitioners have been (a) struck off and (b) reprimanded for their work for his Department. - Inc figure.

Answer: Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many SchlumbergerSema examining medical practitioners have been (a) struck off and (b) reprimanded for their work for his Department. [152793] Maria Eagle: Since 2000, a total of 80 doctors working for Medical Services have had approval to carry out assessments on behalf of the Department revoked, on the grounds that they have failed to meet the required professional standards despite remedial action. Medical Services' approach is to train and support their doctors to ensure the expected standards are being met. Inappropriate behaviour or quality standards are addressed with feedback and remedial training. Where remedial action fails to effect change, approval to carry out assessments will be formally revoked. Where a doctor's professional misconduct falls outside the General Medical Council's (GMC's) professional guidelines, this is brought to the GMC's attention by Medical Services.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 417 c1492W; 152793
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Doctors Disqualification Medical examinations Standards Benefits Agency Medical Service SchlumbergerSema
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk