Following a debate in the House of Lords yesterday, the Medical Protection Society (MPS) warns that the new wilful neglect criminal offences could threaten doctors’ clinical judgment. Whilst MPS agrees that doctors should face tough sanctions for causing deliberate harm to patients, it opposes the new criminal offences because they will have unintended and damaging consequences.
MPS survey on post-Francis culture reveals doctors remain fearful
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A week after the government responded to the Francis Inquiry, a survey of hospital doctors conducted by the Medical Protection Society has highlighted the enormous task facing the government in their bid to create the open culture the Berwick Review considered missing and needed in the NHS.
Online records survey: embrace digital innovation but keep data secure
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As MPs discuss online medical records in the Commons Chamber today (26 November), the Medical Protection Society reiterates its concerns that without appropriate safeguards, what could be a revolutionary innovation could lead to patients unable to benefit from the new online system.1
'Criminal offence will create culture of fear in NHS', MPS responds to government’s response to Francis Inquiry
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Following the government’s announcement that there will be a new criminal offence for wilful neglect, Dr Stephanie Bown, Director of Policy and Communications at the Medical Protection Society, said, 'The Medical Protection Society has long argued that better care for patients in the NHS would come through creating the right culture, which cannot be achieved through legislation. We welcome the explicit recognition by government that nothing can be achieved without a cultural change; in our view everything else must support this objective.
MPS responds to the GMC’s third report – ‘State of Medical Education and Practice in the UK’
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MPS welcomes the insights which can be drawn from the findings of the GMC’s third report – ‘State of Medical Education and Practice in the UK’. Of note is the finding that 46% of complaints investigated were against GPs – more than any other speciality but only accounted for 35% of sanctions or warnings. Communication with patients was a feature in 29% of allegations against GPs.
Complaints in health and social care: standards and guidelines for resolution and learning (2009) aims to provide a simple, consistent approach for staff who handle complaints, and for patients who raise complaints across all health and social care services.
One incident can be investigated in a number of different ways – as a complaint, a clinical negligence claim, a criminal case, a disciplinary matter by your employer, a Coroner’s inquest or a complaint to the GMC. An important starting point is your written report on the circumstances of the incident. This factsheet gives more information about writing this report.
The medical law and ethics that pertain to safe prescribing
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Dr Stephanie Bowm, MPS Director of Policy and Communications, provides a reminder of the importance of following GMC guidance when prescribing medication.
Junior doctors need more support to fulfil their potential, MPS survey reveals
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An MPS survey of over 350 junior doctors who are just completing their first year on the hospital wards reveals that over two thirds (65%) chose a career in medicine because they wanted to help people.
Parental responsibility refers to the rights and responsibilities that most parents have in respect of their children. This factsheet gives advice on who has parental responsibility and where responsibility lies in situations in which there are disagreements over the best interests of the child.
NHS LA accounts show disproportionate impact of claimant legal fees - MPS responds to NHS LA Report and accounts 2012/2013
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The year on year increase in clinical negligence claims against NHS Trusts continues, with the NHS LA reporting a 10.8 per cent rise in the number of new claims reported in the year ending March 2013, and a 66 per cent increase over the past 4 years.
MPS and BMA joint letter to Jeremy Hunt calls for Chief Inspector of Hospitals to be independent and autonomous
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The Medical Protection Society (MPS) and the BMA have written to Jeremy Hunt, the Secretary of State for Health, with key recommendations to ensure the newly created role of Chief Inspector of Hospitals is a success.
Response to NHS England’s publication of mortality rates for individual hospital consultants
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Dr Stephanie Bown, MPS Director of Policy and Communications said, 'MPS strongly supports transparency in the NHS and believes that this is key to protecting and promoting public confidence in the medical profession.
Dr Stephanie Bown, MPS Director of Policy and Communications, examines why keeping accurate, detailed records is so important when it comes to continuity of care.
MPS survey on Chief Inspector of Hospitals reveals doctors’ concerns
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A survey of nearly 800 UK hospital doctors conducted by the Medical Protection Society (MPS) has revealed 55% see the Chief Inspector of Hospitals’ role as just another layer of bureaucracy that will achieve no real change.
The GMC’s latest advice around social media has caused much debate. Here chair of the GMC, Professor Sir Peter Rubin responds to the criticism, and new GP Dr Laura Davison comments on the guidance
The GMC’s latest Good Medical Practice reflects the ever-changing demands of modern healthcare provision, says Dr Rachel Birch, and these two cases illustrate two areas where the GMC has expanded its guidance
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