Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, Senior Medicolegal Adviser at the Medical Protection Society said:

MPS has responded to a Cabinet Office consultation, which sets out the initial principles that would underpin a Public Service Ombudsman (PSO).

MPS has responded to the GMC’s proposals to reform the fitness to practice investigation and adjudication processes. We are concerned about some of the proposed changes, and these are outlined in the response.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week (11-17 May), the Medical Protection Society (MPS) is calling for more support and awareness of mental health issues among GPs.

As Jeremy Hunt is reappointed as Health Secretary, the Medical Protection Society (MPS) is urging the new administration to consider two key issues affecting healthcare professionals; the lack of a collaborative, open learning culture and the rising cost of clinical negligence claims.

A Medical Protection Society (MPS) survey of more than 500 UK members, including GPs, consultants and non-consultant hospital doctors, revealed that two in three doctors (68%) believe there is a blame and shame culture in the NHS, and that it will be difficult to overcome this. This compares with 66% of respondents to the same survey conducted in 2011, indicating that there has not been a positive culture change in four years.

The Medical Protection Society (MPS) is calling on the next government to prioritise reform of the legal system to drive down the cost of clinical negligence. MPS believes introducing fixed costs for small value claims and a reform of the rules relating to claimants’ expert reports will help make clinical negligence more affordable.

As new doctors start their careers on hospital wards, a Medical Protection survey of over 500 doctors who have just completed their first year has revealed that 89% felt that they had some support. Of those, 91% said they received support from senior doctors, while 64% said they also received support from nurses.

MPS has long called for a full and proper review to examine what the potential barriers to innovation might be as well as solutions. We are pleased the government has listened.

MPS has produced a briefing document ahead of the Medical Innovation Bill’s Second reading in the House of Commons, which is currently scheduled for Friday 6 March.

A Medical Protection Society (MPS) survey of 600 GP members reveals that 67% of respondents are fearful of being sued by patients.

A Medical Protection Society (MPS) survey of 600 GP members reveals that 88% of respondents believe they are more likely to be sued now than five years ago.

MPS recognises that the policy decision has been made to introduce mandatory reporting for female genital mutilation (FGM). For this reason we will not comment on the policy decision itself. Having said that, MPS is of the view that the current General Medical Council (GMC) guidelines for reporting FGM are, in general, clear and appropriate.

A Medical Protection Society (MPS) survey of over 290 members in Scotland reveals that 67% of respondents do not believe a duty to be open with patients will improve openness. Of the 296 doctors surveyed by MPS, 66% were not aware of the proposals for a duty of candour and 70% believe a statutory duty to admit mistakes would be difficult to enforce.

Today, Lord Saatchi’s Medical Innovation Bill will go for its final reading in the House of Lords. MPS believes this Bill is unnecessary, and is risk to responsible innovation and patient safety.