Commenting on the GMC’s State of Medical Education and Practice in the UK report
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The GMC is right to acknowledge the 'state of unease in the profession’- patient expectations are changing and GPs are more likely to be sued now than ever before. It is important to strike a balance between holding doctors to account and reducing unnecessary pressures.
Risk alert: Advice on administering flu vaccinations
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Several members have contacted us with queries regarding flu vaccinations; primarily which practice colleagues can administer these, and what safeguarding should be in place if so.
Delays on applications to the National Performers List
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We are aware that some members who have recently qualified as GPs are experiencing delays in their application to have their status amended on the National Performers List. This is leading to some confusion as to whether they can continue to work while waiting for their status to be changed.
Almost one in two (47%) use ‘Dr Google’ before GP consultations
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A YouGov online survey has revealed that almost half of the public (47%) has searched online for their symptoms and / or possible diagnosis before visiting their GP.
MPS response to the GMC’s consultation on the UK List of Registered Medical Practitioners development
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MPS used the consultation to make the point that the GMC’s ambition should be for information held on the register to be fully up-to-date, accurate, and dependable. This is the register’s core purpose and current function, and should remain so.
MPS shares NHS England’s concerns about the cost of clinical negligence
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The Medical Protection Society (MPS) shares concerns raised by NHS England’s Director of Commissioning, Rosamond Roughton, at the 2016 Health and Care Innovation Expo today about the rising cost of clinical negligence and the impact that this is having on the profession
Risk alert: Digital solution to sending third-party reports
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Several practices have recently contacted us for advice on a new software program called iGPR (or Intelligent GP Reporting). It is a tool that works with all clinical providers to produce and send third-party reports, such as those requested by insurance companies.
We have recently received several enquiries from members regarding their responsibilities when reporting cases of FGM in general practice. Read our action points for GP practices.
43% of the public believe £1 million or less was paid out by NHS for clinical negligence last year – actual amount over £1.1 billion
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A YouGov online survey commissioned by MPS of 2,000 British adults reveals the mismatch between public perceptions of how much the NHS pays out for clinical negligence claims, and the reality.
Missed or delayed diagnosis of cancer the most common reason for high value claims - Medical Protection
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A review of Medical Protection’s top 100 high value clinical negligence claims opened in the UK in 2015 has found that alleged missed or delayed diagnosis of certain conditions commonly recurred.
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.
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.
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.