Dedicated resources for trainee GPs, including advice, case studies and exam and revision guidance to support you before and during your speciality training.
Medical Protection partners with Isle of Wight GP Federation
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Medical Protection and One Wight Health Limited (OWHL) GP Federation have formed a partnership offering GP practices access to advice, support, educational programmes and workshops that will help them meet local healthcare needs
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.
There is no escaping the fact that ‘Dr Google’ is becoming more and more influential in GP consultations. At Medical Protection, we commissioned a YouGov online survey of 2021 British adults to look at the pros and cons of seeking medical advice from the internet.
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.
Removing patients from the practice list - Northern Ireland
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Removing patients from the practice list is an emotive issue, risking criticism from bodies such as the Northern Ireland Ombudsman, the General Medical Council (GMC) and the media and should only be used after careful consideration and as a last resort.
Recruitment is becoming harder these days so to attract the best staff it’s worth spending a bit of time to write a great advert for your vacancy. If you create a template, some information will stay the same no matter what role you are advertising.
We have written to invite a member of staff to a formal capability hearing after a period of informal professional support. He is now off work sick. What is the appropriate course of action for us?
Brain cancer accounts for quarter of all childhood cancers, yet many GPs may still not have experience of the condition. Dr Rachel Birch outlines a case where diagnosis could have been made earlier
CQC compliance topped a recent Medical Protection survey of practice managers’ main concerns. We profile a practice who were recently inspected by the CQC, and interview two inspection managers about how practices can prepare for the process
New regulations on NHS complaints in Wales came into force on 1 April 2011. The regulations, along with guidance, are designed to make complaints handling open and accountable, fair and proportionate, and patient-focused – with a view to seeking continuous improvement.
Removing patients from the practice list - England
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Removing patients from the practice list is an emotive issue, risking criticism from bodies such as the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, the GMC and the media and should only be used as a last resort.
Throughout this month the GMC will be contacting doctors to inform them of a new statutory requirement to maintain adequate and appropriate indemnity when practising medicine in the UK.
Research shows that only one in three doctors would see their GP when unwell. There is an enormous pressure on medics not to give in to ill health. Dr Samar Mahmood explores how to avoid the negative effects of stress
Charlotte Hudson, deputy editor of Practice Matters, interviews Nick Giles, area operations manager for the One Medical group - The Light, Leeds, about the secret to the practice's success.
The key to resolving many complaints is handling them early on at a local level. Terri Bonnici, MPS medical complaints adviser, presents a case study showing what could happen if you don’t get to grips with a complaint in the early stages.
Doctors may, on occasion, receive a request from a patient’s employer for a medical report to be delivered directly to the HR department, without the patient seeing it. However, before any medical report can be provided, you must be satisfied that the patient has given valid consent to the release of the information. This factsheet looks at the issues surrounding medical reports for employers and other organisations, and offers advice to doctors who are asked to write reports.
Respect for patients’ autonomy is expressed in consent law; to impose care or treatment on people without respecting their wishes and right to self-determination is not only unethical, but illegal.
I’ve had a portfolio career since 1990, and do different jobs every day. I currently work as an associate specialist in an NHS paediatric chronic fatigue service, a broadcaster for BBC Radio Bristol, an investigative journalist for Private Eye, a health writer for Reveal, The Times and Telegraph Men and an author, lecturer, campaigner and comedian. I manage it by compartmentalising my life, and winging it a lot (or as comedians call it, improvising).
Removing patients from the practice list is an emotive issue, risking criticism from bodies such as the Ombudsman, the GMC and the media, and should only be used as a last resort. The reasons for removing a patient from the list can be varied, but it should not be in response to patients lodging a complaint or failing to comply with treatment. Nor should it be used purely because a patient is highly demanding, offers criticisms or questions his/her treatment.
A doctor’s primary concern is to do their best for their patients; this includes giving advice and treatment, and arranging investigations in accordance with the current evidence base and the patient’s best interests.
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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