New guidance requires doctors to keep personal beliefs outside of work | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleElla PickoverThursday 19 March 2026 01:31 GMTThe guidance explicitly states that medics should not treat colleagues poorly based on assumptions about their beliefs or due to disagreements with their views (Alamy/PA)The General Medical Council (GMC) has issued new draft guidance for doctors, physician associates and anaesthesia associates across the UK, following a series of incidents involving healthcare workers.The guidance stipulates that healthcare professionals must not impose their personal views, beliefs or values on patients or treat colleagues poorly based on assumptions or disagreements.It clarifies that these directives relate specifically to professional practice and do not cover healthcare workers expressing beliefs outside the workplace.The draft rules also address conscientious objections, emphasising that patient access to care must be prioritised, and medics must respect patient decisions based on their beliefs.The consultation on this updated guidance, which aims to ensure respectful and fair workplaces, is open until June 11.In fullDo not impose personal views or beliefs on patients, doctors toldThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in