Complaints about doctors rise by 25% as most fitness-to-practise concerns are closed at initial stage

The number of concerns raised about doctors’ fitness to practise increased by 25% in 2025, according to new figures published by the General Medical Council (GMC). The regulator assessed 13,465 concerns during the year, up from 10,769 in 2024, marking the largest year-on-year increase in two decades.

Despite the rise, the GMC said the vast majority of concerns did not require a full investigation. Of the 13,465 concerns assessed, 12,146 (around 90%) were closed at the initial triage stage because they did not meet the legal threshold for regulatory action. The GMC said it considers factors including whether the issue relates to a doctor’s fitness to practise, the seriousness of the concern, the potential risk to patients or public confidence, and whether another organisation is better placed to deal with the matter.

A total of 679 cases progressed to consideration by GMC case examiners. Of these, 184 were referred to an independent Medical Practitioners Tribunal, 110 doctors received formal warnings, 60 agreed undertakings restricting their practice, and 16 were issued with advice. The remaining 309 cases were closed with no further action, often because concerns had already been addressed and there was no ongoing risk to patients.

The GMC said the increase in concerns may partly reflect uncertainty among members of the public about where to raise complaints, with some issues being directed to the regulator when they may be more appropriately managed through local NHS complaints procedures or employers. The regulator has redesigned its annual report to provide greater transparency about how concerns are assessed and the decisions made throughout the fitness-to-practise process.

The data comes as medical organisations continue to call for a proportionate and transparent regulatory system that protects patients while ensuring doctors are not subjected to unnecessary investigations where concerns fall outside the GMC’s remit.