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.
Honesty and integrity are central to probity and define how any professional person should act. This is vital in healthcare as the doctor-patient relationship is balanced on trust.
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.
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.
Good doctors apply clinical knowledge in a way that is legally and ethically correct – but all doctors can slip up. Here are survival tips for the top five medicolegal risks for junior doctors, writes Charlotte Hudson
If a patient dies and the death is reportable to the coroner, you should leave all equipment in place until you have discussed the case with the coroner’s officer. This factsheet gives you further information about what to do.
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.
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.
MPS opposes new criminal sanctions and urges government rethink
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The Medical Protection Society is calling on the government to rethink plans to introduce a new criminal offence for healthcare professionals for wilful neglect or ill-treatment.
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.