MPS is the world’s leading medical defence organisation, putting members first by providing professional support and expert medicolegal advice throughout their careers. We have more than 300,000 members worldwide.

MPS has been helping doctors who find themselves in medicolegal difficulties since 1892. We are here to help and support members when they need it. We work only for the benefit of our members, and have no external commercial or shareholder interests to distract us.

A recent survey of our members provided the following feedback:

“I have contacted MPS on a number of occasions for general advice and have always been very impressed by the services I received.”

“Very quick responses, clear advice and guidance, a sympathetic ear.”

“Speedy, efficient, courteous, knowledgeable – I have always been impressed by the MPS and my latest enquiry only strengthened my good opinion.”

All medical practitioners need access to professional indemnity to protect them from the pitfalls of practising.

Any doctor - from those in training up to the most experienced qualified doctor - may find themselves the subject of a complaint, investigation by the GMC, or disciplinary action by their employer. It is therefore essential that they have their own protection in place through membership of a specialist organisation such as MPS.

MPS membership can provide you with the support you need from your first day at medical school to the day you graduate, and throughout your career.

MPS helps doctors with the legal and ethical problems that arise from their professional practice. Members turn to us for help with a wide range of professional queries and problems. They get immediate access to advice from a team of doctors and lawyers who are specialists in the legal aspects of medicine. We provide:

• Telephone advisory service available 24/7
• Specialist legal advice and representation
• Complaints handling service
• Help with writing reports
• Quality service for all members.

Remember, MPS is not only here for you when things go wrong. We have a whole host of educational benefits that will help and support you through your studies.

Yes you do. NHS indemnity only protects you from claims relating to clinical negligence, but we know from years of experience that at any stage in your career you could need help with many other issues which NHS indemnity does not cover. One single clinical incident may give rise to a number of medicolegal problems including:

• Complaint
• Claim
• Disciplinary action – GMC procedures
• Ombudsman inquiry
• Coroner’s inquest
• Criminal investigation arising from your clinical practice
• Press and media enquiries.

You can turn to MPS for help and guidance with any of these problems.

You can apply for F1 membership at any time during your final year of study. Find out more about F1 membership with MPS

Medical Protection defines a Good Samaritan act as one in which medical assistance is given, free of charge, in a bona fide medical emergency upon which you may chance, in a personal as opposed to a professional capacity, eg, assisting a fellow spectator at an event.

For doctors, ignoring such a predicament is never an option. When called into action while off duty, you must remember to make a full clinical record after treatment. You must assess your own competence in handling the situation – eg, you may be under the influence of alcohol – and proceed accordingly.

Only intervene if the situation is an emergency. Any situation that is beyond your competence may still benefit from your input, to a degree. For example, you can use your clinical skills to take a history, make an examination to reach a preliminary assessment, and give an indication of the likely differential diagnosis. You can also suggest options for the management of the situation pending arrival of support.

Similarly, we consider that a response to the GoodSAM App, provided it is in accordance with the GoodSAM App code of conduct, falls within our definition of a Good Samaritan Act.