Advice centre

The NHS stands for the National Health Service. It refers to the Government-funded medical and health care services that everyone living in the UK can use without being asked to pay the full cost of the service. In the following article, Dr Emma Green provides an overview of the structure that can appear complex and highlights some of the other organisations involved and acronyms you may come across.

Treating high-profile patients can often present a unique set of medicolegal challenges and it is important that doctors protect themselves, as well as the patient. Dr Emma Green, Medicolegal Consultant at Medical Protection, discusses the common issues and sets out some advice

Communication between clinicians during a patient handover is a known point of medicolegal risk. Dr Sarah Coope, Senior Medical Educator at Medical Protection, looks at how gaps in information, misunderstandings and assumptions can increase the risk of errors, conflict and complaints.

When carrying out NHS and private practice work, it’s important to ensure that the needs of both your private patients and your NHS patients are met. Dr Heidi Mounsey, Medicolegal Consultant at Medical Protection, looks at one potential scenario and offers some guidance.

When you start out in UK medical practice, you’ll be keen to get stuck into your new role and make a good impression but it’s important to know your limits and continue to develop your skills.

It is important to speak up if you have concerns about patient care in your workplace, but doctors don’t always know where to start. Dr Henrietta Hughes provides advice on when and how to speak out.