Deciding how to hold interim hearings

Interim hearings are scheduled to take place virtually in the first instance.

This document sets out how requests for an interim hearing to be held at the MPTS hearing centre at St James’ Buildings, Manchester (referred to below as ‘SJB’) will be considered.

For the avoidance of doubt:

Virtual hearings will involve all participants (including doctors, legal representatives, witnesses and tribunal members) attending the hearing remotely;

SJB hearings will involve doctors, legal representatives and tribunal members attending the hearing at SJB.

Requests to hold an interim hearing at SJB

An interim hearing will only take place at SJB in exceptional circumstances. If either of the parties want the hearing to take place at SJB, they must make a request to the Interim Hearings team, setting out the reasons why such a hearing is required. Any request will be decided by the Head of Operations and Development.

Deciding whether an interim hearing should take place at SJB

The following factors will be considered when deciding whether, on an exceptional basis, an interim hearing should be held at SJB:

The needs of vulnerable hearing participants. Each case will be different depending on the nature of the vulnerability and the practicalities of implementing any special measures required.

The needs of participants arising from a disability or other compelling circumstances.

Any practical considerations that would support the MPTS in running the hearing more effectively at SJB.

In assessing a request for an SJB interim hearing, the relative benefits of a virtual or an SJB hearing will be considered in terms of meeting any needs identified.

In the absence of any other factors, the following are not considered to be relevant considerations:

the nature of the allegation or type of hearing.

witness evidence: interim hearings do not ordinarily consider witness evidence so any such considerations would not apply.

press and public interest in the case: interim hearings take place in private and the extent of press or public interest in the case would not be considered grounds for an interim hearing to take place at SJB.

Final decisions on hearing venue will be made at the earliest fair opportunity upon receipt of such a request. It is the responsibility of the GMC, registrants and their legal representatives to ensure that the MPTS is provided with information about the needs of individual participants relevant to the consideration of a request for an SJB hearing, including any requests for reasonable adjustments. Information should be provided as soon as possible, so that all reasonable steps can be taken to support participation without delays.

Given the nature and remit of interim order hearings, requests for a hearing to be held at an alternative location other than SJB would not ordinarily be considered.

Document history

Revision	Date
4	August 2025
5	August 2026