The challenges of making a challenge
A patient’s solicitor sought disclosure of a GMC expert report after a case had been closed. Medical Protection successfully challenged this, only for the decision to be overturned at appeal. Kirsty Sharp, content editor at Medical Protection, looks at the challenges of making a challenge
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Is my patient fit to fly?
Now that the peak holiday season is upon us, GPs may find themselves asked to declare patients “fit to fly”. Dr Rachel Birch, medicolegal adviser at Medical Protection, presents two case scenarios, illustrating what GPs can do to support patients while minimising potential risks.
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GMC loses right to appeal – Medical Protection welcomes news
In the latest development surrounding manslaughter in healthcare, the government has agreed to remove the GMC’s right to appeal decisions reached by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS). This change follows ongoing campaigning by MPS, and Dr Rob Hendry, medical director at Medical Protection, says this is great news for the profession
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MPS: Legislation to remove GMC right of appeal must be brought forward quickly
Medical Director Rob Hendry speaks at the Westminster Health Forum event on the next steps for professional healthcare regulation.
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MPS comment on Government’s response to Sir Norman Williams Review of Gross Negligence Manslaughter in healthcare
Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, Education Services Lead at MPS comments on the Government’s response to Sir Norman Williams Review of Gross Negligence Manslaughter in healthcare.
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Redaction and anonymisation - doing your bit for data protection
New data protection regulations came into force on 25 May and MPS is committed to fulfilling its legal obligations – correct redaction and anonymisation is one way that you can play your part in safeguarding data.
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The Welsh Government has announced its intention to introduce a state-backed scheme for clinical negligence indemnity, for GPs in Wales
Simon Kayll, CEO at the Medical Protection Society (MPS), commented on the Welsh Government's announcement of its intention to introduce a state-backed scheme for clinical negligence indemnity, for GPs in Wales
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MPS works with NICE to revise cauda equina syndrome red flags
The Medical Protection Society (MPS) has been instrumental in a revision to the NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries (CKS) red flag symptoms for cauda equina syndrome. The changes will help healthcare professionals diagnose the condition and make referrals earlier, enabling prevention of irreversible nerve damage and disability.
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The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
From 25 May 2018, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (1) will come into force and will have a direct effect in every EU country.
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Delayed diagnosis
Mrs F, a 30-year-old housewife, visited her GP, Dr O, with a four-week history of diarrhoea. Dr O arranged a stool sample for microscopy and culture (which was negative) and prescribed codeine. Four months later, Mrs F was still having diarrhoea, especially after meals, and she had started to notice some weight loss. She returned to the surgery and this time saw Dr P, who examined her and found nothing remarkable, but decided to refer her to gastroenterology in view of her persistent symptoms.
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Failure to review nitrofurantoin: hepatitis and rash
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Failure to act on cauda equina
Mr X, a 25-year-old fit and active man, was reviewed by his GP, Dr A, with a recurrence of lower back pain. He had noticed lumbar back pain intermittently throughout his 20s, but played a lot of sports to which he attributed his symptoms.
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A missed diagnosis but no negligence
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Failure to monitor renal impairment
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Sciatic nerve injury but no negligence
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Strong record-keeping – strong defence
Ms Q, 58 years old, consulted Dr G, a gastroenterologist, with a history of dyspepsia, early satiety and altered bowel habit. Clinical examination, including digital rectal examination, was recorded as normal...
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Starting GP training? Here are your ten top tips
A pain in the knee
Miss F, an overweight 11-year-old, attended her GP, Dr A, complaining of knee pain and clicking for two months following a twisting injury whilst playing football...
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Duty of candour – Scotland
A new duty of candour for all health, care and social work services comes into effect in Scotland on 1 April 2018. It places an expectation on organisations to be open, honest and supportive when there is an unexpected or unintended incident resulting in death or harm.
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Fairer system for setting discount rate in England and Wales is welcome news
A case of mistaken haemorrhoids
A patient presents with symptoms of haemorrhoids but is it something more sinister?
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