Sir Donald Irvine

Donald Irvine is chair of Picker Institute Europe, a not-for-profit organisation that builds the evidence base for patient-centred care and works to improve the patient experience. While President of the General Medical Council, Sir Donald focused on maintaining the quality of practice and reforming regulation. He is Honorary Professor, School of Health, University of Durham; a Vice-President of the Patients Association; President, Age UK Northumberland; and a Board member of Picker Institute Inc, Boston, US. In 2004, Sir Donald was presented with the US Picker Award for his Outstanding Contribution to Patient Centred Healthcare. While Chair of the General Medical Council Standards Committee, Sir Donald was responsible for the development of Good Medical Practice, which sets out the duties and responsibilities of every UK doctor and the standards that underpin modern medical education and regulation. He practised as a GP in Northumberland for 35 years.