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  6. Service of notice
Procedural matters relating to tribunal hearings

Service of notice

  1. The Fitness to Practise (Anaesthesia Associates and Physician Associates) Rules 2024 (the Rules)2 require notices to be served on a PA or AA before a hearing takes place.3 Rule 74 specifies the methods of service that can be used, and how service can be proved.4

Notice from the MPTS

  1. For all types of MPTS hearings, a PA or AA will receive a notice of hearing from the MPTS confirming the date, time and venue of the hearing. Hearings will usually take place virtually or at the MPTS hearing centre at St James’s Buildings in Manchester.

  2. The notice will set out that the PA or AA has the right to attend the hearing and be represented. It will warn the PA or AA that if they do not attend, then the hearing may still go ahead. The notice will also inform the PA or AA that they can provide written submissions for the tribunal if they wish to do so.

  3. A tribunal will not proceed in a PA or AA’s absence unless they are satisfied that the notice of hearing has been served.

  4. Where a case has been referred to an associates tribunal (AT) to determine the case, the notice must include a copy of the allegation explaining what matter(s) the GMC has referred to be considered by a tribunal.

  5. Although the GMC is likely to have been in correspondence with the PA or AA previously about the matter(s) referred, a notice sent in accordance with the Rules will clarify the basis for the GMC making the referral.5 The PA or AA should carefully consider this as this will assist them in preparing for how to respond to the matter at the hearing.

  6. Where a case has been referred to an AT to review a final measure, the notice must include details of the final measure currently in place.6 Where a case or concern has been referred to an interim measure tribunal (IMT) to review an existing interim measure, the notice must also include details of that measure.7

2 General Medical Council (Fitness to Practise) (Anaesthesia Associates and Physician Associates) Rules 2024.

3 See Rule 36.

4 Rule 74(2)(b).

5 Rule 36(2)(a).

6 Rule 36(2)(b).

7 Rule 36(3).