Doctors may, on occasion, receive a request from a patient’s employer, an insurer or from a government department, for a medical report to be delivered directly to the relevant department, without the patient seeing it.
There is a certain ambiguity surrounding chaperones and what exactly their purpose is. Below are common questions that Medical Protection receives about chaperones.
Risk alert: New referral system of medical suitability of gun owners
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At the start of April 2016 a new system for firearms licensing was introduced to improve information sharing between GPs and police and to reduce the risk that a medically unfit person may have a firearm or shotgun certificate.
We are aware that members have received a Patient Safety Alert from NHS England warning about the risks associated with the failure to prioritise home visits in general practice.
The BMA has announced further industrial action in its ongoing dispute with the Department of Health over the proposed junior doctor contracts. The first ‘emergency care only’ action is to take place 6 – 8 April, with full withdrawal of labour on 26 and 27 April.
Executive Director, John Tiernan, retires after 23 years at MPS
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John Tiernan, Executive Director of Member Engagement at MPS will retire in July 2016, after 23 years’ supporting doctors and dentists in dentolegal and medicolegal issues.
Medical Protection reminds members of its position on apologies
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Following the launch of the Parliamentary Health Service Ombudsman’s (PHSO) report titled General practice complaint handling across England: a thematic review, which was released today in collaboration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), NHS England and Health Watch, Medical Protection reminds members of its position on apologies.
Unfortunately things do go wrong in healthcare and sometimes patients are dissatisfied, disappointed or upset with the care that they have received. Medical Protection supports open communication, and we encourage members to apologise where things have gone wrong, regardless of fault.
It is a legal requirement for practising nurses to have an appropriate insurance or indemnity arrangement in place in order to be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Nurses will be asked to provide evidence of this as part of the revalidation process, which is being introduced from April 2016.
Medical Protection makes changes to GP subscriptions to help with extended hours
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Medical Protection has made changes to how it sets GP subscriptions to reflect current and emerging primary care delivery across the UK. New definitions of work patterns have been introduced, in a move that Medical Protection hopes will help members who wish to work extended hours.
Raising concerns and whistleblowing - Northern Ireland
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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.
During these difficult times for the people affected by Storm Desmond, Medical Protection wants to do what it can to support its members to keep the public healthy and safe. We know that those working in general practice are doing all they can to respond to any increase in demand for their services.
Medical Protection survey: One in three male doctors have experienced depression
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A Medical Protection survey of over 300 male members shows that a third (30%) have experienced depression throughout their medical career, while one in 10 (13%) have had suicidal feelings.
Clinical negligence claims – what to expect - England
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A clinical negligence claim is a demand for financial compensation for alleged harm caused by substandard clinical care. Common reasons for claims include failure or delay in diagnosis, or incorrect treatment. In fact, many claims arise out of poor communication.
GP practices are required to produce an annual infection control statement to demonstrate their compliance with guidelines on infection prevention and cleanliness.
Mandatory reporting of FGM comes into effect on 31 October
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Medical Protection is urging doctors to be aware of their professional obligations relating to reporting and treating victims of female genital mutilation (FGM).
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has been a criminal offence in the UK since 1985 and the legislation was re-enacted in the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003. Five official reports on the subject have been published since November 2013 and MPS has produced this guidance for members.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has been a criminal offence in the UK since 1985 and the legislation was re-enacted in the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003. Five official reports on the subject have been published since November 2013 and MPS has produced this guidance for members.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has been a criminal offence in the UK since 1985 and the legislation was re-enacted in the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003. Five official reports on the subject have been published since November 2013 and MPS has produced this guidance for members.
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.
You'll notice a few things have changed on our website. After asking our members what they want in an online platform, we've made it easier to access our membership benefits and created a more personalised user experience.
Why not take our quick 60-second tour? We'll show you how it all works and it should only take a minute.