Former RCS President named as new GMC Chair

Dame Clare Marx, Past President of the Royal College of Surgeons, has been named as the new Chair of the General Medical Council (GMC). 

She will succeed Professor Sir Terence Stephenson who will finish his fixed-term post later this year. Dame Clare has been leading a GMC review into how gross negligence manslaughter and culpable homicide (in Scotland) are applied to medical practice but will stand down with immediate effect. Former RCS Council member, Mr Leslie Hamilton, will take over as chair of the review. 

Commenting on her appointment, Professor Derek Alderson, current President of the Royal College of Surgeons, said:

“The Royal College of Surgeons welcomes the appointment of Dame Clare Marx as the next chair of the General Medical Council (GMC). She has a wealth of experience in clinical practice and NHS leadership roles. She has a strong interest in training and workforce issues, as well as encouraging more women to enter surgery. 

“During her time as RCS President and before that as a member of our Council, Dame Clare championed patient safety and quality measures, including in her role as vice-chair of the NHS’s Surgical Never Events taskforce. 

“Her time as chair of the RCS’s Invite Review Mechanism, which provides expert independent and objective advice on good surgical care to healthcare organisations, will stand her in good stead for her role at the GMC.

“We congratulate Clare and look forward to working with her in her new role.”

Notes to editors

The Royal College of Surgeons of England is a professional membership organisation and registered charity, which exists to advance surgical standards and improve patient care.

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