A MAJOR crackdown on family doctors who perform poorly is being launched as part of tough new disciplinary measures, it was revealed today.

GPs whose work causes continual concern may be asked to retrain or even retire from their practice.

And under-performing doctors who refuse remedial help could also be reported to their governing body.

The radical moves have been drawn up by bosses at East Lancashire Health Authority in a bid to crack down on under-performing family doctors.

Health chiefs have defined possible causes of under performance as problems with physical and mental health, attitude, unexplained idiosyncratic behaviour, professional isolation and inter-personal relationships. The health authority has developed a five-point plan if it becomes aware of a GP's poor performance:

Step one: An informal visit by a medical adviser or secretary of the Local Medical Committee. If concern is sufficient, step two is required.

Step two: Information is reviewed by Performance and Assessment (PASS) Group of medical professionals. If there is a case for further investigation an assessment visit will be made to the practice.

Step three: The visit will be made by two or three members of the PASS group. If they confirm a problem of under-performance a sequence of further steps will be taken.

Step four: The doctor agrees to a remedial package of support and signs a contract with the PASS group. Other options may be retirement from the practice, or direct referral to the GMC if they refuse support. Another option will be for the doctor to choose a mentor from a list of qualified practitioners

Step five: There will be a review visit by the assessment team and the doctor will be asked to provide evidence to support change in the previously identified areas of under-performance. Frank Clifford, chairman of Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Community Health Council (CHC), said: "I would welcome any move to improve the quality of service that was being offered to patients.

"When you take your car in for a service you would hope the technicians were well qualified and capable of maintaining vehicles to a high standard of safety.

"It is more important for GPs that they maintain a high quality of service and diagnosis."

The proposal for the local system of "identification, assessment and remediation within general practice" will be considered at an East Lancashire Health Authority meeting on Wednesday .

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