The history of MPS

In the United Kingdom at the end of the nineteenth century doctors and dentists had a difficult time. They had to deal with libellous accusations by patients and an increasing number of unregistered and unqualified quacks. In the 1880s a number of high profile negligence and criminal cases made the headlines, and it soon became clear that individual doctors did not have the resources to defend themselves in these cases.

The need for strength in numbers was obvious and a number of discretionary mutual medical defence organisations were started. MPS, known initially as the (London and Counties) Medical Protection Society, was formed in 1892. Within two years it had more than a thousand members.

The membership benefits provided by the organisation gradually grew – at first MPS only provided discretionary indemnities to fund members’ legal costs – but over time this expanded to include any damages and costs awarded in the case. By the 1940's MPS was providing protection to members overseas. Today we provide a wide variety of services to members around the world.

The medical profession has changed dramatically over the last hundred years. The founding members of MPS would not recognise the complex environment in which doctors now work, and would be baffled by the legal problems that result. What they would recognise is that, just as in 1892, doctors need MPS as much as ever – a mutual organisation where fellow professionals use their judgement to provide a flexible range of benefits that meet the evolving needs of members.