Around 15,000 former doctors are being asked to return to work to bolster the workforce tackling covid-19.

Under the Medical Act of 1983, the General Medical Council (GMC) has been asked to automatically grant temporary registration to fully qualified doctors who have given up their licence to practise within the last three years.

Around 15,000 doctors with a UK address are being contacted to see if they would be willing to return to work to help deal with the coronavirus pandemic – roughly one third are aged 44 or under.

Una Lane, the GMC’s Director of Registration and Revalidation, said:

“We expect the UK government to ask us to grant temporary registration to doctors living in the UK who are not currently in practice. We know many will be keen to help, but we also understand that many will have questions and concerns.

“Temporary registration allows doctors to work in the NHS, but it would be up to each individual whether or not to do so. Doctors can opt out for any reason and they can change their mind at any time.

“The potential deployment of these doctors, and any questions relating to their pay or pensions, are matters for the NHS and the UK governments.”

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