As a doctor, you may be asked to give evidence in many different types of tribunals, including criminal or civil courts, the coroner’s court and employment or mental health tribunals. This factsheet gives further information about what to expect and how to prepare.
Mental Capacity Act 2005 – Assessments under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards - England and Wales
Time to read article: 4 mins
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Under the Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (MCA DOLS), six assessments have to be successfully conducted before a local authority (supervisory body) can authorise the deprivation of an individual’s liberty in a hospital or a care home.
One of the most difficult situations faced by any clinician is when you are concerned that a colleague’s behaviour, health or professional performance may be placing patients at risk. This factsheet outlines your duty to raise concerns when patients may be at risk of harm.
“From the case files” features unusual cases and cases with strong learning points. Here we deal with a common question on the MPS helpline – how to deal with a father’s requests to access his child’s records.
If a patient dies and the death is reportable to the coroner, you should leave all equipment in place until you have discussed the case with the coroner’s officer. This factsheet gives you further information about what to do.
As an expert you should be aiming to produce a report which is free standing – from which the reader can glean the key issues in the case, understand the evidence available and reach a clear understanding of the range of expert opinion, without needing to look at any other document.
One of the most difficult situations faced by any clinician is when you are concerned that a colleague’s behaviour, health or professional performance may be placing patients at risk. This factsheet outlines your duty to raise concerns when patients may be at risk of harm.
MPS opposes new criminal sanctions and urges government rethink
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The Medical Protection Society is calling on the government to rethink plans to introduce a new criminal offence for healthcare professionals for wilful neglect or ill-treatment.
The Medical Protection Society (MPS) welcomes the importance placed on a culture of openness in the review of the threshold for the statutory duty of candour; but is concerned about when the duty will apply.
'Opportunity to address concerns' - MPS responds to decision to delay care.data
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Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, medicolegal adviser at the Medical Protection Society (MPS) said, 'MPS is pleased to see that the launch of care.data is being postponed by six months, which will give NHS England the opportunity to address the concerns that have been raised.
MPS highlights prescribing as one of the top risks in general practice
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Prescribing continues to be one of the top five risks in general practice based on Clinical Risk Self Assessments (CRSAs) conducted by the Medical Protection Society (MPS) at more than 150 practices across the UK and Ireland in 2013.
MPS surveys of GPs and public reveal lack of information around care data
Time to read article: 3 mins
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A YouGov survey commissioned by the Medical Protection Society (MPS) has revealed that 67% of over 1400 respondents from England say they have not received the leaflet from NHS England explaining the new care.data system.1 Furthermore, 45% do not understand care.data from what they have read or heard.
A year since Francis - MPS warns current policy at risk of sustaining culture of fear
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A year since the publication of the Francis Inquiry into Mid Staffs, the Medical Protection Society warns that the current policy direction may sustain a culture of fear in hospital wards instead of improving it.
Dr Andrew Tresidder explores how to maintain professional detachment in a consultation, drawing on the psychological concepts around the Drama Triangle. He is a GP Patient Safety Lead for Somerset CCG, GP Appraiser, member of the Somerset Clinician Support Service, and member of the European Association of Physician Health. He is a former Somerset LMC rep and Bristol Medical School Academy GP Lead.
Being subject to a complaint or investigation can be distressing and stressful. Our video series shows how Medical Protection will continue to provide you with personal support, advice and representation for a whole range of medicolegal concerns, protecting your career and reputation.
Our professional development courses are available when and where it suits you. From short online courses to face to-face-workshops, discover a range of CPD courses included in your membership.
Read real-life cases of complaints, claims and clinical negligence taken from our archives.
Chosen to give you clear learning points to help you avoid similar situations and reduce your risk, the cases also feature advice from medicolegal experts.