GOC to include duty of candour in standards

A ‘duty of candour’ for optometrists and dispensing opticians will be included in the GOC’s new standards of practice publication next year.

The GOC confirmed it would join seven other healthcare regulators in making sure registrants are open and honest with patients when something goes wrong with their treatment or care with the potential to cause harm or distress.

GOC chief executive and registrar Samantha Peters said: ‘Today’s joint statement shows our commitment, and that of other regulators, to promoting openness and honesty in UK healthcare.

‘Our registrants provide fantastic care for their patients but, occasionally, things can go wrong and this can be extremely distressing. When this happens, patients have the right to know what has happened and what can be done to put it right. Patients also deserve an apology.