Increase in GOC registration fees may be passed on to patients

An increase in registration fees next year, keeping CET arrangements the same and a decision on the new make-up of the GOC were just some of the proposals approved at a meeting of Council members in Belfast last week.

The Council agreed to initially reduce the number of board members to 12, with a parity of professional and lay membership. The decision followed a government recommendation for healthcare regulatory councils to be smaller and more 'board-like'.

Members agreed to a transitional approach to appointing committee members. Changes to the governance of the GOC will mean that in future Council and committee membership will be appointed separately.