Policy position on pandemic flu and indemnity

During a pandemic flu outbreak, GPs may be expected to extend their current responsibilities and some retired GPs might be asked to return to clinical practice. There have recently been some misplaced concerns about indemnity arrangements during a pandemic for GPs.

GPs, as independent contractors, arrange their indemnity through MPS, the MDU and the MDDUS.

Hospital doctors providing NHS care are indemnified by the NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA). MPS indemnifies around half of all doctors in the UK. It is crucial that there is clarity about the indemnity arrangements for GPs during a pandemic flu outbreak, as different considerations apply.

MPS and the other medical defence organisations (MDOs) have previously had discussions about arrangements for pandemic flu with the Department of Health and the GMC. We expect these arrangements will continue and further national guidance will be published in the event the pandemic flu outbreak intensifies. This briefing paper clarifies MPS’s current position.

For more information, read the full document which is attached on the right.