FAQs
We are frequently asked about the benefits of MPS membership and how we differ from our competitors. Here are some questions which we have received from both medical students and junior doctors.
Can I be a member of both MPS and the MDU?
Yes – MPS feels it is important that whilst you are an undergraduate or in your first year qualified you get the chance to become familiar with how medical defence organisations can help you throughout your medical career, and to experience the range of services we provide.
Particularly during your first year qualified we would actively encourage you to call the MPS advice line on 0845 605 4000 even if it is only a relatively minor ethical problem. We believe that it is only after you have put us to the test that you can fully appreciate the service you can expect now and in the future.
Whilst other organisations might use your membership of more than one organisation as a means of avoiding helping you, MPS is here to receive requests for assistance.
Do I need an insurance policy?
No – an insurance policy cannot provide more peace of mind than discretionary indemnity. A commercial insurance company can and will refuse cover if the circumstances fall outside the terms and conditions of the policy, or if the policyholder fails to comply with the conditions of the policy. Not only that, but in essence, NHS Indemnity provides the same cover as an insurance policy.
MPS is run purely by members of the medical profession FOR members of the medical profession and does not make a profit from members’ subscriptions.
Do I need professional indemnity if I have indemnity with the NHS?
MPS offers basic membership to junior doctors employed in the NHS in recognition of the fact that claims for clinical negligence will not have to be met by MPS – they will be handled by the NHSLA (National Health Service Litigation Authority), with the NHS taking care of any financial cost. One single clinical incident may give rise to a number of medicolegal problems including:
- Complaint
- Claim
- Disciplinary action – GMC procedures
- Ombudsman inquiry
- Coroner’s inquest
- Criminal investigation
- Press and media enquiries.
You can turn to MPS for help with any of these problems.
In over 120 years of indemnifying UK doctors, no patient who has suffered harm on the part of an MPS member has ever gone uncompensated as a result of MPS exercising its discretion negatively. Find out more about MPS indemnity compared to NHS indemnity.
Can’t a discretionary indemnifier just refuse assistance?
Any discretionary organisation that refused legitimate requests for assistance from its members would not remain in business for long. MPS has grown in size and strength for 120 years. No patient who has suffered harm as a result of clinical negligence on the part of an MPS member has gone uncompensated as a result of MPS exercising its discretion negatively. It is unlawful for discretion to be used unfairly, randomly, perversely, irrationally, or with improper motives, and could be subject to legal challenge in court.
What is the difference between MPS and the MDU?
Not all medical defence organisations are the same. More students and junior doctors join, and choose to stay with MPS than any other defence organisation. We think this is because:
We're the best at what we do
MPS has been helping doctors around the world who find themselves in medicolegal difficulties for 120 years. There is no other organisation that can match our knowledge and experience. Our sole purpose is to provide assistance to members when they need it. We work tirelessly for the benefit of members and their profession, and have no external commercial or shareholder interests to distract us from this aim.
We deliver a service that is second to none
A recent survey of our members provided the following feedback:
- “I have contacted MPS on a number of occasions for general advice and have always been very impressed by the services I received.”
- “Very quick responses, clear advice and guidance, a sympathetic ear.”
- “Speedy, efficient, courteous, knowledgeable – I have always been impressed by the MPS and my latest enquiry only strengthened my good opinion.”
We offer the best product
Because we offer a range of membership benefits on a discretionary basis, rather than through an insurance policy, we are not restricted by detailed terms and conditions in the help we can provide. MPS can help with any legal issue related to your medical practice whereas some doctors have unfortunately found that other organisations cannot or will not assist with some issues, for example defamation.
We deliver peace of mind
At the end of 2011 MPS had more than £1.7 billion in assets. Members can rest assured this is sufficient to cover not only those claims of which we are currently aware, but also those which relate to incidents that have occurred but which have yet to come to light. What is important is that we can do this without having to rely on other companies or organisations.
Want to find out more?
“Speedy, efficient, courteous, knowledgeable – I have always been impressed by the MPS and my latest enquiry only strengthened my good opinion.”
If you have an enquiry, please don’t hesitate to contact MPS Membership Services who will be happy to help.
You can call the student helpdesk on 0845 900 0022, or email student@mps.org.uk. Calls to Membership Services may be recorded for monitoring and training purposes.
Alternatively, you can write to:
Membership Services
Medical Protection Society
Granary Wharf House
Leeds
LS11 5PY.