Dr Sophie Haroon and Alison Clarke look at how surveillance of a claimant can be useful when defending against claims.

Ivy Grove Surgery in Derbyshire made the headlines in April with an extensive and honest open letter to their patients. But for the practice partners, it’s only one part of their wider strategy on communicating with patients. Gareth Gillespie, Editor of Practice Matters, spoke to the surgery about what drives their approach.

Sinead Lay, Case Manager at Medical Protection, looks at the potential pitfalls of telemedicine

A claim against GP Dr F is taken to trial by Medical Protection. Find out how our expert litigation team fought for Dr F by building a robust defence.

GP Dr D and consultant gastroenterologist Dr B face a claim after an abandoned colonoscopy fails to pick up the required diagnosis. Medical Protection handles the case.

Handover problems are at the centre of this claim against urological surgeons and a hospital. Find out how we assisted our members in the case.

A claim against a hospital and consultant psychiatrist goes to trial, after a patient commits suicide. Medical Protection also provides assistance with the inquest and hospital inquiry.

Suboptimal emergency care for a 13-year-old boy leads to a clinical negligence claim. How could this have been avoided if the doctor had listened to the boy’s mother?

A patient asks GP Dr C to keep her pregnancy secret from her dermatologist. What are Dr C’s obligations to disclose this information? She contacts Medical Protection for advice.

A GP faces a clinical negligence claim on the grounds of failure to undertake cardiac-related investigations. This case report looks at how MPS successfully sought mediation as an alternative form of dispute resolution, avoiding formal court proceedings.

A GP seeks advice on maintaining professional boundaries when a patient shows signs of emotional attachment.

A GP faces suspension after her partner reports her for deficient clinical performance following a dispute. This case report looks at how MPS provided long-term support to the member, enabling her to return to practice.

Patient facing kidney transplant or lifelong dialysis makes a negligence claim against GPs and hospital following delayed referral to nephrology and failure to recognise her underlying renal condition. This case report looks at where clinicians went wrong, and explains how MPS managed to settle the case for a moderate sum that was substantially less than the original request.

Sarah Pickering, advisory case manager at Medical Protection, considers a recent member query in relation to this complex and sensitive area.

It is very unusual for a clinical negligence claim to reach the highest reaches of the court system. Rarer still are cases involving non-clinical staff such as receptionists. Dr James Lucas, medicolegal consultant, discusses such a case that was recently considered by the Supreme Court and extracts potential learning points for practices.1

A patient re-presents with urinary tract infections over a 15-year period, and eventually makes a claim against the genitourinary consultant involved in her care.

Misplaced blood test results lead to a claim after a baby is left requiring a liver transplant.

When a routine optician appointment identifies papilloedema, Mrs T makes a claim against her GP for not giving her an earlier urgent referral.