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.
Removal of medical equipment after death - Scotland
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If a patient dies and the death is reportable to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, you should leave all equipment in place until you have discussed the case with the Procurator Fiscal. This factsheet gives you further information about what to do.
The General Medical Council (GMC) guidelines Doctors’ use of social media establish the standards expected from every doctor practising in the UK. The guide details the principles of conduct for using social media and explains how doctors can put these principles into practice.
Doctors’ obligations remain unchanged after DNR ruling, says MPS
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In wake of the recent Court of Appeal ruling on Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders the Medical Protection Society has received a number of enquiries from concerned members seeking clarification on the implications.
MPS disappointed as criminal sanction for wilful neglect added to Courts Bill
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The Medical Protection Society (MPS) responds to the government’s decision to add the new criminal sanctions for ill treatment or wilful neglect to the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill.
The care.data programme has been subject to intense media coverage and scrutiny. GMC Chairman Professor Sir Peter Rubin looks at what doctors can disclose and in what circumstances.
Professionalism can be hard to define and even harder to teach. Dr Mark Dinwoodie, Head of Member Education at MPS, highlights some practical tips to encourage professionalism in trainees.
It has come to the attention of our practice that a long-standing member of our reception staff team is registered as a patient at our practice. We had a management meeting about this and the partners feel uncomfortable about the arrangement. Please can you advise on how we should manage this situation – should we remove her from the practice list?
Queen’s Speech: MPS responds to GMC on Law Commission Bill
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Dr Nick Clements, Head of Medical Services at the Medical Protection Society said, 'Health regulation is complex and time should be taken to properly scrutinise the current arrangements, to prevent any rushed or ill-considered changes.
The Adults with Incapacity Act was introduced in 2000 to safeguard the welfare of adults (age 16 and over) who lack capacity for making their own healthcare decisions, due to a mental disorder or an inability to communicate. This factsheet provides information on how patients with incapacity should be cared for.
As summer approaches GPs will experience increasing requests for declarations that patients are “fit to fly”. Sessional GP and medicolegal consultant Dr Rachel Birch presents three case scenarios advising what you can do to support patients while minimising your risks.
Valid consent is just as important when treating children and young people as it is with adults. In some situations children are able to give consent themselves, and sometimes others need to take the decision on their behalf. This factsheet sets out the basic information to enable you to obtain the appropriate consent from children and young people.
High reliability in healthcare: A personal failure
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In his follow-up to last edition’s article on high reliability organisations, Dr Dan Cohen revisits a personal experience that formed part of his own steep learning curve.
MPS believes whistleblowers’ complaints should be taken more seriously
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Dr Nick Clements, Head of Medical Services at the Medical Protection Society said, 'MPS strongly believes that whistleblowers’ complaints should be taken more seriously to help achieve better care for patients in the NHS.
Last year’s custodial sentence for surgeon David Sellu, following a verdict of gross negligence manslaughter, raised concerns within the profession. Former Casebook Editor-in-chief Dr Stephanie Bown met with Professor Norman Williams, President of the Royal College of Surgeons, to discuss what the ruling means for healthcare professionals.
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.
Supplementary GMC guidance to Confidentiality (2009) contains information for healthcare professionals on what to do when reporting gunshot and knife wounds.
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
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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.
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.
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