In response to the NHS LA’s estimates that £28.3bn will be needed to cover known and future claims for clinical negligence for past patient care – up by 10% on last year – the Medical Protection Society (MPS) urges the government to prioritise reform of the legal system.

A Medical Protection survey of more than 600 UK members reveals that 85% have experienced mental health issues, with common issues being stress (75%), anxiety (49%) and low self-esteem (36%).

Responding to the Department of Health’s announcement that it plans to cap excessive legal fees for clinical negligence claims, Emma Hallinan, Director of Claims and Litigation, Medical Protection Society said...

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.

MPS responds to the GMC’s consultation about its Confidentiality guidance.

A Medical Protection Society (MPS) survey of over 290 members in Scotland reveals that 81% believe the proposed new criminal sanctions for healthcare professionals who wilfully neglect or ill-treat patients will create a culture of fear and 75% believe doctors are currently fully accountable for errors that may happen.

MPS fully supports a culture of openness in the NHS – a need for which was notably raised in the Francis Inquiry Report. We have long standing concerns that legal duties, such as a statutory duty of candour being proposed by the Scottish Government, fail to provide the impetus necessary for behavioural change.

MPS has provided a pre-consultation in response to the rising cost of clinical negligence and a proposed Fixed Recoverable Costs Scheme.