Dear Member,
 
In light of the GCC’s statement as a result of the changing picture of mandatory vaccination for CQC registered individuals and the further consultation of health bodies at large we would like to firstly thank the GCC for giving us foresight of the draft statement and secondly highlight two key points.

The first is that once again the GCC has reiterated that they, along with other regulators, DO NOT intend to unilaterally introduce mandatory covid-19 vaccination as a requirement of registration. Secondly please remember that whilst the GCC is an independent regulatory body they do receive direction from government. Encouraging vaccination uptake is the current health policy within the UK with the view that vaccination protects not just the individual but those around you i.e patients which is the main duty of the GCC.

The evidence for the very latter point on transmission particularly, continues to be a contentious issue and the UCA has made representation highlighting this. It is the UCA’s position based on your overwhelming feedback from the recent survey that we remain with a ‘freedom of choice’ stance and will continue to do so. We are here to continue to support members whichever way they choose to go on this issue but we will certainly resist any suggestion or movement towards members having to be vaccinated as a condition of registration.

We have also received feedback from some members that they are concerned with the policy from government on vaccination for health and social care and wish to proactively engage with government and the GCC directly to express their views. As such we direct you towards the open government consultation entitled: Revoking vaccination as a condition of deployment across all health and social care - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) in order to have your say, the closing date of this consultation is the 16th February 2022.

Where the GCC is concerned we have already provided robust feedback to them as an association as have our partners in the AUKC. We have however understandably been contacted by members whom have asked for guidance or template letters as to what and how to write to the GCC expressing their concerns. We know from past consultations that ‘copy paste’ responses do not carry the weight they could therefore should you wish to engage with the GCC as an individual registrant we would remind members to be aware of their responsibilities within The Code (GCC_Code_2016_with_B3_Amend_(2019).pdf (gcc-uk.org)) and to make comment in a professional and evidenced based manner and quote reliable and respected sources when making your points.

The UCA has and will continue to make representation to the relevant persons and organisations as and when the need arises to ensure members voices are collectively heard.

If you have any further concerns or questions please do not hesitate to contact head office for assistance.
 
Yours in Health,
 
UCA Executive