The Medical Protection Society (MPS) helps members with the ethical and legal problems that arise in their clinical practice. MPS provides professional support and expert advice on a range of issues such as:

Complaints

MPS provides support and advice to its members to help them deal with complaints. Whether a response requires conformation that a proposed course of action is the correct one, or a more detailed and complex course of action is required MPS advises doctors to fully investigate complaints and to provide patients with an honest and comprehensive explanation and, where appropriate, provide a full apology. Contrary to popular belief this does not invariably encourage patients to pursue compensation claims.

Claims

The first hint of a clinical negligence claim is often when a request is made by a solicitor for a patient's medical records. Although this can be a difficult situation to contend with, it is important to abide by the strict time constraints that a civil procedure involves. By contacting MPS with the details, we can then advise you on how to approach the next steps and can take away the burden of handling the claim, including indemnity.

Writing Reports

Doctors are required to produce a variety of reports for numerous reasons, such as insurance and employment matters. This frequently raises difficult queries, on such issues as consent, confidentiality and what information can be included. Making a call to MPS can help to clarify the issues and provide a way forward.

General Medical Council Inquiries

MPS members who are facing a complaint to the General Medical Council, (GMC), can apply for help to MPS in the usual way. MPS can provide support and advice, and, should the issue proceed as far, full legal representation at any hearings.

Inquests and Fatal Accident Inquiries

During investigations into the death of a patient, it is understandable for doctors to feel vulnerable about their position. In such cases, you can turn to MPS for advice. MPS can offer support with appearances at coroner’s courts and fatal accident inquiries.

Disciplinary Inquiries

Disputes with your employer are uncommon but should an issue arise, MPS is there to help. Typically this would involve incidents where there is an allegation of poor clinical performance or unprofessional conduct. MPS are able to advise you on the best course of action in this situation.

Police Investigations

Although police investigations into the care a patient has received are rare, when they do happen, MPS can offer assistance. On occasions, doctors have been prosecuted for offences such as indecent assault or manslaughter. If these investigations arise as a result of your clinical practice then you can turn to MPS for assistance.

More about the Medical Protection Society.