Page last updated: 17-FEB-2004

Ensuring that individual clinicians remain competent in their fields of practice is an important part of safeguarding the quality of care provided. Whilst the majority of doctors clearly do a good job, there is currently widespread acceptance that potentially poor performance of individual doctors needs to be recognised and addressed in a more prompt and consistent manner than it has been previously. 

All consultants, non-consultant career grade doctors and GP principals working in the NHS have to undergo an annual appraisal. Also from 2005, doctors will need to undergo periodic revalidation to maintain their license to practise.