First 72 Hours Response Pack
HTML edition updated 9 September 2026. This is an educational planning aid, not an official application form or individual advice.
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GMC & PROFESSIONAL REGULATION | PRACTICAL WORKBOOK
First 72 Hours Response Pack
A stabilisation workbook for a complaint, investigation, GMC letter, restriction or other professional concern.
What this resource contains
Six structured preparation stages
Private writing space and review prompts
Process, deadline and confidentiality safeguards
Important
Independent general guidance. It does not replace clinical, employment, regulatory, immigration or legal advice. Do not include patient-identifiable or unnecessary colleague-identifiable information in worksheets.
Author: Dr N Aziz
Published and reviewed: 7 September 2026
Before you write
Use this on a trusted device or paper copy. Record references rather than copying patient-identifiable or privileged material. Nothing in this workbook is sent to SAS Doctors Review.
1. Immediate safety
Complete only what is relevant. Use neutral, factual language and confirm process-specific advice.
Is anyone in immediate danger?
What restriction or direction applies now?
Who has authority for immediate clinical cover?
What must be reported urgently?
2. Identify each process
Complete only what is relevant. Use neutral, factual language and confirm process-specific advice.
Name on the document
Purpose of the process
Decision-maker
My status: witness, subject, employee, registrant or other
Policy, rule or statutory route
3. Preserve and protect
Complete only what is relevant. Use neutral, factual language and confirm process-specific advice.
Original correspondence retained
Authorised location of relevant records
No retrospective alteration
No unauthorised access or download
Confidentiality and privilege advice needed
4. Deadlines and meetings
Complete only what is relevant. Use neutral, factual language and confirm process-specific advice.
Required action
Date and time stated
Who verified the deadline
Meeting status and right to accompaniment
Separate legal limitation advice
5. Adviser map
Complete only what is relevant. Use neutral, factual language and confirm process-specific advice.
Defence organisation
Trade union or employment adviser
Criminal lawyer if relevant
Treating clinician or occupational health
Emotional and practical support
6. Controlled first response
Complete only what is relevant. Use neutral, factual language and confirm process-specific advice.
Receipt acknowledged
Nothing speculative or argumentative
Availability and adjustment needs stated
Advice obtained before substantive response
Next review point
Action summary
What must happen today?
Which adviser will I contact, for which process?
Which restrictions and deadlines have been independently confirmed?
Do not let one route obscure another
An internal grievance or appeal does not normally stop an external legal deadline. A regulatory adviser does not automatically represent an employment claim, and a wellbeing service does not provide legal advice.
Sources and disclaimer
Use the current GMC, MPTS, national NHS, Acas or Labour Relations Agency source and the correct local policy before acting. Processes, time limits and service eligibility change.
Independent general education
This workbook does not calculate a deadline, assess credibility, predict a regulatory outcome or replace individual legal, employment, regulatory or clinical advice.