MPS urges the government to allocate part of £3 billion to support doctors’ mental wellbeing

The Government, NHS and private healthcare providers must plan now for the mental wellbeing support doctors will need following the Covid-19 pandemic, if we are to avoid huge swathes either leaving the profession or suffering in silence with psychological injuries, says Medical Protection.

The Government must commit adequate resource and support to clearing the backlog of referrals and delayed follow-ups in secondary care if we are to avoid a potential patient safety crisis and a tsunami of future claims or investigations, says Medical Protection.

A YouGov survey of over 2000 GB adults, commissioned by MPS, demonstrates an overwhelming show of public support for doctors’ protection during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Rob Hendry, Medical Director at the Medical Protection Society, comments on the news that Essex Coroner’s Service has withdrawn its demand for GPs to verify deaths in person during the pandemic.

MPS is calling for urgent reassurance from both the GMC and employers that doctors will not be subjected to regulatory or disciplinary action following a decision or outcome that is the result of poor PPE provision.

Medical Protection has urged the UK Government to introduce emergency laws, similar to those being passed in New York state, so doctors know they are legally protected when making momentous decisions in very challenging circumstances that are in the best interest of their patients.

Under measures to support student members during the Covid-19 pandemic, Medical Protection will provide an extra year of free membership for final-year medical students— with many starting work earlier than expected.

The Government’s Coronavirus Bill published today sets out steps to increase the available healthcare workforce, including enabling the regulator to emergency register suitable people such as recently retired doctors.