MPS opposes new criminal sanctions and urges government rethink
Post date: 31/03/2014 | Time to read article: 1 minsThe information within this article was correct at the time of publishing. Last updated 14/11/2018
The Medical Protection Society is calling on the government to rethink plans to introduce a new criminal offence for healthcare professionals for wilful neglect or ill-treatment. In a response to the government’s consultation, MPS argues strongly that there is no justification for new legislation and believe that it will only add to the climate of fear.1
Dr Nick Clements, Head of Medical Services at the Medical Protection Society said, 'MPS opposes the introduction of new criminal sanctions against healthcare professionals for wilful neglect or ill-treatment. We believe the proposed legislation is ill-considered, unnecessary and will undermine the drive for more openness with patients.
The current regulatory, disciplinary and criminal framework when applied properly is effective at ensuring doctors face the consequences of their actions and additional penalties are not needed.
With these proposals, the government has focused too much on penalising doctors and not enough on providing the support that can bring about genuine change. We believe that these sanctions will obstruct the much-needed open and transparent learning culture and will add to the current climate of fear amongst doctors. MPS urges the government to rethink.'
For further information or to interview Dr Clements please contact Kim Watson, Press Officer at MPS on +44 207 399 1409 or email [email protected]
1Read MPS’s full consultation response here
