Medical Protection Society acquires Cognitive Institute

The Medical Protection Society (MPS) is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Cognitive Institute of Australia – one of the largest providers of communication skills and risk-management training to healthcare professionals in the world.

The purchase of the Cognitive Institute includes its portfolio of 30 courses and workshops. This will allow MPS Risk Consulting (MPSrc) – MPS’s consultancy and training company – to expand its risk management and education programme to MPS’s growing international membership. It also means MPSrc will be able offer even more to MPS members, healthcare organisations and professionals in Ireland.

MPS Chief Executive Dr John Hickey said:
“We are delighted to have acquired Cognitive Institute, whose portfolio of training and education, we believe, fits well with MPS’s objectives. When a doctor is sued or complained about, it’s often to do with their communication skills, behaviour and attitude as much as their clinical skills. The acquisition of Cognitive Institute gives us the opportunity to support members through training, which may reduce this risk. It will also allow us to further expand our risk management and education programme to our members in Ireland.”

Director of MPSrc Mr Keith Haynes said:
“MPSrc is now capitalising on a long-standing, fruitful relationship with the Cognitive Institute. By offering an expanded programme of courses and workshops we will be better able to meet the current education and risk management needs in healthcare. The combination of both our portfolios and teams gives us an opportunity to create a world-class education and training resource.”

 “The acquisition gives us the opportunity to build on the work we have previously undertaken in Ireland. We are planning on expanding our risk management, education and training programme in Ireland for the benefit of doctors, healthcare organisations and patients alike.”

Cognitive Institute Medical Director Dr Mark O’Brien said he was delighted to join MPS Risk Consulting:

“Joining MPS Risk Consulting is an exciting opportunity for our Institute to expand our expertise and services. Since starting in Australia in 1999, we have expanded to become a leading international provider of risk management and communication skills training to healthcare professionals.”

“MPS is respected throughout the world as a leader in healthcare indemnity and education, and MPS Risk Consulting is the perfect partner because they share our vision to become a world leader in risk management, leadership and communication skills.”

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Notes to editors

1. MPS Risk Consulting was established as a specialist risk management consultancy in 1998 to build on the expertise held within MPS. It provides consultancy, training and education to clinicians, healthcare professionals and managers in healthcare organisations throughout the UK, Ireland and internationally.

2. Cognitive Institute was established in Australia in 1999 to provide specialist risk management, leadership and communication skills training for healthcare managers and clinicians. It operates in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand, with more than 10,000 people attending its workshops annually.