Complaints and Disciplinary Inquiries

Complaints Against Doctors

What if the Preliminary Investigation Committee ("PIC") recommends an inquiry?

If the PIC recommends an inquiry, the case will go before an inquiry panel of the Medical Council, who will decide whether the complaint has been proved.

If we ask you to appear as a witness, we will give you plenty of notice. You will need to give your evidence under oath. You may be questioned by the inquiry panel hearing the case, and by the lawyer defending the doctor.

Appearing as a witness can be a difficult experience. We will do everything we can to reduce the stress of giving evidence in public, and you can bring a friend to be with you while you are waiting to give evidence.

Almost all hearings are in public. Reporters usually attend and there may be reports on the radio or TV news, and in newspapers. In appropriate cases, the inquiry panel has power to order that all or any of the information relating to the hearing must not be disclosed.