Non-compliant patient sues doctor: whose fault is it?
Whilst doctors have a duty of care for their patients, and their primary concern should be their wellbeing, how do we establish patient responsibility for their own wellbeing? Dr Dawn McGuire, Medical Claims Adviser, looks into contributory negligence and whether we can define patient responsibility.
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Testamentary capacity – understanding the part you play
The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB): what you need to know
The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB): what you need to know
When investigating patient safety incidents, it is vital that this is done in an open and honest manner, without apportionment of blame. The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) has operated since 2017 but what should you do if you become part of an investigation? Sarah Pickering, advisory case manager at Medical Protection, finds out
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Dr Rob Hendry, Medical Director, responds to the Leslie Hamilton independent review
Why the way errors are investigated needs to change
Adult safeguarding and confidentiality – disclosing information to th...
Adult safeguarding and confidentiality – disclosing information to the Office of the Public Guardian
Knowing when you can disclose sensitive patient information is a notoriously complex area. Sarah Pickering, advisory case manager at Medical Protection, considers some recent queries from members regarding disclosures to the Office of the Public Guardian
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A potted history of medicine
Throughout history, doctors have treated patients, and doctors have made mistakes. We delve deep into the past to see what doctors used to get away with
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Withdrawing treatment: the legal position
In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that healthcare professionals across the UK no longer need to seek legal permission to withdraw treatment from patients in a permanent vegetative state
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Understanding mental capacity: advance decisions
Mental capacity is the ability to make a decision. If a person lacks capacity, they have an impairment or disturbance that leaves them unable to make a decision. A patient’s capacity to make decisions about their own care is a fundamental part of matters relating to end of life care
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Should you mention death when the risk is small?
When consenting for a procedure, wherever there is a risk of death – no matter how small – would you always mention this risk?
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The procurator fiscal and fatal accident inquiries
A procurator fiscal investigates all sudden and suspicious deaths in Scotland, conducts fatal accident inquiries and handles criminal complaints against the police. There are 11 procurator fiscals, each covering a specific geographical location within Scotland, who between them investigate around 14,000 sudden deaths each year
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Giving evidence at an inquest
End of life care
When treating a patient who is close to death, clear communication and collective decision-making are as important as any clinical intervention
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Confidentiality after death
Confidentiality is at the centre of maintaining trust between patients and doctors. But what are your obligations to a patient after they have died?
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Communicating with families post-death
Guidance from NHS England underlines the importance of clear and honest communication when treating a patient who has reached the end of life.
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MPS response to DHSC consultation on clinical negligence cover
Medical Protection comments on state-backed indemnity after SI laid before Parliament
Medical examiners: a new role for England and Wales
From April 2019, the new role of medical examiner will be introduced into the process for investigating the deaths of patients. Dr Ben Lobo, consultant physician, geriatrician and medical examiner, and Dr Ewen Ross, medicolegal consultant at Medical Protection, look at what this means for you
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