An online hearing room allows doctors, patients, and witnesses to take a virtual step inside a hearing, with users being able to tour the room, see who is attending and why.

The site include virtual versions of all those who might attend a hearing, such as lay and medical members of the panel, and a doctor's representative. All 12 of these characters can be clicked on for an explanation of who they are and what role they play in a hearing.

The site also shows the reception area and waiting rooms for doctors and witnesses so that anyone attending a hearing can arrive feeling more comfortable with their surroundings.

Paul Philip, the GMC's director of standards and fitness-to-practise, said: ‘Attending and giving evidence in a hearing can be a daunting process for members of the public and doctors alike. We hope that this initiative will offer some peace of mind to all those who are called to give evidence at our hearings, and that the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the process and the look and feel of a hearing will help to demystify it.'