An inquest is a fact-finding exercise that is conducted by the coroner and, in some cases, in front of a jury. The purpose of an inquest is to find out who died – when, where, how and in what circumstances. This factsheet gives further information about what happens at an inquest.

The cost of clinical negligence is rising at a worrying rate, and this risks becoming unsustainable for the NHS and society. MPS is leading a campaign to ensure a balance is struck between compensation that is reasonable, but also affordable.

Proposed merger of nine regulators should focus on fairness and accountability, not cost-cutting, says Medical Protection Senior Medicolegal Adviser Dr Pallavi Bradshaw

Dr Jonathan Healan describes a busy day in anaesthetics

Drawing upon a recently reported case, Medical Protection’s Senior Medicolegal Adviser Dr Pallavi Bradshaw emphasises why it is important to include reflections in your ePortfolio.

Top ten tips to assist foundation doctors when consenting a patient for a procedure

New Doctor Editor-in-Chief and Medicolegal Adviser Dr James Thorpe demonstrates why probity is paramount to the role of a foundation doctor.

When it comes to Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Medical Protection’s Medicolegal Adviser Dr Nicky King reflects on a junior doctor’s position

Dr Robert Molloy reflects on his time working as a young doctor in Christchurch, New Zealand. When an earthquake struck, his year abroad took a very different turn

Dr Aaron Madhok reflects on his time working in Africa

Poor communication between doctors lies at the heart of many complaints, claims and disciplinary actions. Dr Mark Dinwoodie, consultant in medical education, explains the importance of maintaining good relationships with colleagues and communicating effectively with other health professionals

Dr James Thorpe, Medicolegal Adviser at Medical Protection, reflects on a common issue where junior doctors are asked to perform roles outside their competence, in particular taking informed consent for surgical procedures and other invasive investigations

Dr Ben White, a Medical Protection Medicolegal Adviser, discusses the use of chaperones during intimate examinations

Foundation doctors are increasingly using social media and smartphone apps to communicate with each other and senior colleagues. While this has many advantages, there are pitfalls to consider. Dr James Thorpe, Medicolegal Adviser at Medical Protection, investigates.

Patients overtly coerced into undergoing treatment they do not want can rightly claim that their “consent” was not given freely and is therefore not valid. Cases of overt coercion are rare, but there are circumstances in which patients may feel that they have been covertly pushed into accepting treatment they would prefer not to have had. For example, in some circumstances patients may find it very difficult to say “No” to the proposed treatment, or to challenge the doctor’s assumption that they would have no objections to going ahead.