Doctors have been reminded that they must inform the DVLA if a patient ‘continues to drive against medical advice and fails to do this themselves’ – echoing advice that also applies to optometrists.
The guidance was flagged up during Road Safety Week from November 23-30, as part of a General Medical Council (GMC) draft confidentiality document under consultation.
Niall Dickson, chief executive of the General Medical Council, said: ‘This is difficult territory – most patients will do the sensible thing but a few will not and may not realise that they are a risk to others behind the wheel of a car.’
The General Optical Council also this week emphasised the importance of flagging up eye conditions that might affect driving.
In response to the GMC document, a GOC spokesperson told Optician that its new standards made it clear that registrants should promptly raise concerns about patients if patient or public safety might be at risk, and encourage others to do the same.
He said: ‘Registrants should use their professional judgement in implementing this. They may wish to use guidance produced by their professional body or others.’ He added that the College of Optometrists also had guidance on informing the DVLA.
A statement by motor insurance firm the RAC Foundation said doctors who took action would not face any legal action or sanction for breaking patient confidentiality, while the DVLA website said drivers could be fined up to £1,000 for not telling the DVLA about a health condition that might affect safe driving.
Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said: ‘For those with serious medical conditions there is a real fear of losing their licence. But with the right treatment many illnesses will not lead to people having to hang up the keys.’
