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Original poster

Can a Dr be reported to the GMC for non medical dodgy dealings?

19 replies

VandalsTookTheHandlez · 31/12/2024 14:14

Without going into huge detail...

Purchased something from a company and returned it. Sadly didn't research fully before purchase and company has lots of negative reviews, complaints of paying for goods not received etc, in fact the only positive ones on Google and Facebook have the same name as the company directors.

At present, a refund isn't forthcoming and have raised it with my credit card. The company directors are both GP's and one runs a practice.

Could they be reported for running what appears to be a rather dodgy company?

OP posts:
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Original poster
VandalsTookTheHandlez · 31/12/2024 18:05

AConcernedCitizen · 31/12/2024 17:46

What makes you think the Dr is anything to do with you not getting a refund?

Unless the company is a one-man band, having shit customer service is quite possibly not down to him.

You seem mad that you didn't do your due diligence before buying something online, but that's no reason to potentially cause someone serious professional issues/waste the GMC's time...unless it's a medical product, obvs.

Show quote history

What makes you think the Dr is anything to do with you not getting a refund?
Unless the company is a one-man band, having shit customer service is quite possibly not down to him.

it has 2 directors. Him and his wife.
Ultimately he is responsible for his own company. He is also freely leaving 5 star glowing reviews for his own company all over the internet from his personal facebook account for one, which is just a tad dishonest.

I'm not mad at all. But should the funds not come back via my CC is shall be taking other approaches.

OP posts:
AConcernedCitizen · 31/12/2024 17:46

VandalsTookTheHandlez · 31/12/2024 14:42

"this doctor took my money but didn't deliver the item"

Is almost exactly what has happened. Item was delivered, returned unopened under their T&C's immediately and no refund has been forthcoming. The company doesn't answer calls or emails and dozens of similar reviews can be found along the same lines.
It's a £150 item so not cheap.

Interestingly, his practice has similar terrible reviews.

Show quote history

What makes you think the Dr is anything to do with you not getting a refund?

Unless the company is a one-man band, having shit customer service is quite possibly not down to him.

You seem mad that you didn't do your due diligence before buying something online, but that's no reason to potentially cause someone serious professional issues/waste the GMC's time...unless it's a medical product, obvs.

Holdonforsummer · 31/12/2024 17:42

A while back, a doctor got suspended for not paying his full train fare to work. I am a registered medical professional and we all have to abide by certain codes of conduct otherwise we can lose our registration. However, you would have to be clear what it is you are reporting and how why you are sure it is ‘dodgy’.

Owly11 · 31/12/2024 17:41

How long ago did you return the item? Going to the GMC is a very full on response at such an early stage and would be hideously stressful for the person in question. I would suggest going other routes first to try and recover your money and only GMC if you genuinely suspect dishonesty further down the line. Btw dishonesty is a striking off offence because it is considered a character flaw that cannot be remediated.

ScaryM0nster · 31/12/2024 17:40

You can, but it won’t help solve your problem.

whereas channeling your effort into your credit card company and trading standards might.

theeyeofdoe · 31/12/2024 17:37

Just claim back from your bank. Much quicker.

Bababear987 · 31/12/2024 15:47

I doubt the GMC would care, he'll get a letter or email at most that he can just ignore.

CandyCane5 · 31/12/2024 15:23

Is the item related to him being a dr though?

Plenty of Drs have their hands in other pies and run other businesses, it's not related to them being a medical professional.

Just push for a refund through CC if no reply, reporting to GMC isn't going to get you a refund.

Toomanysquirrels · 31/12/2024 14:45

@VandalsTookTheHandlez in that case yes, I think the GMC would be interested in that.

https://www.gmc-uk.org/concerns

Link of how to report.

Original poster
VandalsTookTheHandlez · 31/12/2024 14:42

Toomanysquirrels · 31/12/2024 14:39

@DowntonCrabbie well yes, absolutely the GMC will investigate doctors and pay attention to their (lack of) probity.

But I don't think they will investigate businesses - won't audit them etc. My point is that going to the GMC and stating that the problem is " dodgy dealings" is likely not to be specific enough.

Going to the GMC and saying "this doctor took my money but didn't deliver the item" would be. But the OP says it's just "dodgy dealings" and it's not at all clear what that means.

"this doctor took my money but didn't deliver the item"

Is almost exactly what has happened. Item was delivered, returned unopened under their T&C's immediately and no refund has been forthcoming. The company doesn't answer calls or emails and dozens of similar reviews can be found along the same lines.
It's a £150 item so not cheap.

Interestingly, his practice has similar terrible reviews.

OP posts:
Toomanysquirrels · 31/12/2024 14:39

@DowntonCrabbie well yes, absolutely the GMC will investigate doctors and pay attention to their (lack of) probity.

But I don't think they will investigate businesses - won't audit them etc. My point is that going to the GMC and stating that the problem is " dodgy dealings" is likely not to be specific enough.

Going to the GMC and saying "this doctor took my money but didn't deliver the item" would be. But the OP says it's just "dodgy dealings" and it's not at all clear what that means.

OVienna · 31/12/2024 14:37

VandalsTookTheHandlez · 31/12/2024 14:29

That will be done as well, I guess I was just covering bases should the CC not find in my favour.
Thanks all.

Show quote history

Take them to small claims. A few cases on the record would be of interest eventually to the GMC.

DowntonCrabbie · 31/12/2024 14:33

Toomanysquirrels · 31/12/2024 14:22

I don't think "dodgy dealings" is specific enough, and it's not the GMCs role to investigate businesses.

I think you'd have to complain to whoever regulates these things, then if wrongdoing was established that could be reported to the GMC.

Not true. It's a probity issue, the GMC can absolute investigate. Drs are expected not to act on any way that brings the profession into disrepute and are often investigated for all kinds of non medical issues

Original poster
VandalsTookTheHandlez · 31/12/2024 14:29

foxyfoxedfox · 31/12/2024 14:24

GMC stuff aside, report them to trading standards?

That will be done as well, I guess I was just covering bases should the CC not find in my favour.
Thanks all.

OP posts:
rwalker · 31/12/2024 14:25

Life’s to short just pass it yo your CC to deal

foxyfoxedfox · 31/12/2024 14:24

GMC stuff aside, report them to trading standards?

Toomanysquirrels · 31/12/2024 14:22

I don't think "dodgy dealings" is specific enough, and it's not the GMCs role to investigate businesses.

I think you'd have to complain to whoever regulates these things, then if wrongdoing was established that could be reported to the GMC.

Axalotl · 31/12/2024 14:18

My husband is an osteopath and part of his standards are to behave with integrity, etc. He can lose his licence to practice. Id imagine doctors are the same.

Blackcordoroys · 31/12/2024 14:16

Yes, they have a duty to behave honestly and with integrity. I don’t know if the GMC will do anything mind you