In its annual report, which is published with other eight other organisations, the GMC revealed 60 concerns were raised by whistleblowers between April 2023 and March 2024, up from 48 in the previous year.

Anna Rowland, GMC assistant director for policy and business transformation, said: ‘We understand that raising issues about healthcare professionals can be a difficult thing to do. Our support to whistleblowers includes a confidential telephone helpline staffed by trained advisors, and we also provide training and guidance for doctors on raising and acting on concerns.'

Concerns raised included a variety of alleged issues, including staff structures, professional misconduct and individual dishonesty.

Of the 60 concerns raised, 23 were by doctors, 14 by other healthcare professionals and 23 were anonymous.

All but one of the 60 were reviewed by the GMC's fitness to practise team. Of those 49 were closed after an initial assessment and 10 resulted in either a preliminary or full investigation, of which half have been closed and half are still going through the investigation process.