Melanie McDonald calls for FTP panels to be more accepting of hearsay evidence
In the context of fitness to practise (FTP) proceedings, the admission of hearsay evidence remains controversial and gives rise to extensive argument before FTP panels. In this article I argue that, notwithstanding the recent decisions in Ogbonna v Nursing and Midwifery Council [2010] EWCA Civ 1216, [2010] All ER (D) 23 (Nov) and R (on the application of Bonhoeffer) v General Medical Council [2011] EWHC 1585 Admin, [2011] All ER (D) 141 (Jun), that FTP panels should be more willing to adopt a similar approach to that of the civil courts when determining the issue of its admissibility.
Learning to be civil
Stepping into the curious world of healthcare professional regulation from an exclusively civil practice at the Bar, I was immediately struck by how deeply rooted in criminal procedure many of its mores were, owing more to antiquated magistrates proceedings than a modern civil forum. This is notwithstanding the fact that the civil standard of proof has applied since 2008 and that it is settled law that
