Doctors to get their own check-ups

All Rochdale doctors on the medical register will be subject to annual appraisals and required to renew their licences every five years.

The Government today confirmed the formation of an implementation team that will impose revalidation for all doctors across England, and have pledged £1million in funding to support them.

A panel of senior doctors will provide support and advice to the NHS, patients and doctors representatives for the design and delivery of the process, ensuring that all doctors meet the standards expected of them.

Speaking on the appointment of the team, Chief Medical Officer Liam Donaldson said: "The news that the NHS Revalidation Support Team is now in place marks an important step forward in the process of introducing revalidation for doctors in England. Their expertise and experience will be a critical source of advice and support in making that happen. This is good news for the profession and good news for patients."

Maurice Conlon, head of the new team said: "We believe that, for revalidation to work, organisations must step outside their normal boundaries. We are proud of our track record of building consensus and are enthusiastic about working cooperatively for the benefit of patients and doctors alike."

Supporting today's announcement, President of the GMC, Professor Sir Graeme Catto said: "We look forward to working with the new Revalidation Support Team on developing local processes and systems that will meet the needs of the medical profession, employers and patients and welcome their appointment."