A Medical Protection Society (MPS) survey of over 290 members in Scotland reveals that 67% of respondents do not believe a duty to be open with patients will improve openness. Of the 296 doctors surveyed by MPS, 66% were not aware of the proposals for a duty of candour and 70% believe a statutory duty to admit mistakes would be difficult to enforce.

Today, Lord Saatchi’s Medical Innovation Bill will go for its final reading in the House of Lords. MPS believes this Bill is unnecessary, and is risk to responsible innovation and patient safety.

A Medical Protection Society (MPS) survey of over 290 members in Scotland reveals that 81% believe the proposed new criminal sanctions for healthcare professionals who wilfully neglect or ill-treat patients will create a culture of fear and 75% believe doctors are currently fully accountable for errors that may happen.

A Medical Protection Society (MPS) survey of 254 GP members reveals that 46% of GPs believe patients are more violent and aggressive than five years ago, while 35% think the situation is about the same. Worryingly, 51% of GPs have experienced violent or aggressive behaviour from patients and sadly 34% of those accepted it as part of their job.

In yesterday’s Health Select Committee hearing, the GMC suggested doctors practise defensively because of the threat of litigation; however MPS’s experience is that it is the increasing scrutiny by the GMC, with half of those investigations requiring no action on the doctor’s registration, which is causing most alarm and mistrust within the profession.

MPS (Medical Protection Society) welcomes the General Medical Council’s (GMC) commitment to review the way it treats vulnerable doctors under fitness to practise investigations.

With the recent reduction in Scotland’s drink-driving limit and the festive season now in full swing, the Medical Protection Society (MPS) is reminding doctors of their professional obligations to disclose information regarding patients who jeopardise public safety by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

At a House of Commons Adjournment debate yesterday, the Medical Protection Society’s (MPS) concerns that the Medical Innovation Bill is unnecessary and could increase uncertainty were raised.

An MPS survey of over 500 members has revealed that one in five (19%) doctors have experience of patients recording their consultations. Of those, 40% were not made aware at the time that the patient was recording the consultation.

The Medical Protection Society (MPS) opposes the GMC’s proposals to change its sanctions guidance and effectively dilute the discretion of Fitness to Practise Panels

Rise in calls to MPS from practitioners concerned about CQC inspections

Ahead of the debate in the House of Lords on Friday 24 October, the Medical Protection Society (MPS) reiterates its opposition to the Medical Innovation Bill as it has the danger to inhibit responsible innovation, give false reassurance to doctors, and damage the doctor-patient relationship.

A Medical Protection Society (MPS) survey of 180 doctors investigated by the General Medical Council in the last five years found that almost three quarters (72%) believed the investigation had a detrimental impact on their mental and/or physical health.

Ahead of the debate in the House of Lords on 20th October on a new offence of wilful neglect on doctors, the Medical Protection Society (MPS) continues to call for safeguards to prevent damaging consequences to the professional lives of doctors.

Dr Nick Clements, Head of Medical Services at MPS says: “It is worrying that three out of five patients and care users that complain about their treatment feel that the system is failing to address their concerns. A culture of openness in the NHS is critical to improving the quality and safety of patients.

While the Medical Protection Society (MPS) welcomes the significant increase in the percentage of patients who can access their medical records online, it is concerned that simply providing patients with access is not enough. MPS is urging doctors to also provide patients with the support they need to understand and use information safely, appropriately and effectively.

The Medical Protection Society (MPS) is encouraging GP practices participating in the government’s trial to provide seven day GP access and extended opening hours to be mindful of confidentiality if sharing medical records with other primary care services.