A tale of two doctors: the junior and the consultant
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Dr Marika Davies, medicolegal consultant, looks at the recent case of GA v Greater Glasgow Health Board [2019] CSOH 31, where the death of a 77-year-old patient raised questions over where the liability for the negligence lay: the junior doctor or the consultant?
Throughout history, doctors have treated patients, and doctors have made mistakes. We delve deep into the past to see what doctors used to get away with
You should specialise in obstetrics and gynaecology: here’s why
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Obstetrics and gynaecology has developed enormously over the last 30 years.
Yet despite the numerous advances in this field and the huge potential for growth, recruitment numbers have in the past been small.
16 things you should know to help you survive night shifts
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By taking these steps to properly preparing for a night shift you can minimise the risks for you and your patients, and reduce the likelihood of slipping up.
Dying matters: medicolegal aspects of end-of-life care, DNACPR and organ donation
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To mark the Dying Matters national awareness week, between 13 and 19 May, Medical Protection asked nearly 400 members in the UK about their experiences on a number of issues such as DNACPR, organ donation and withdrawal of treatment.
Mental capacity is the ability to make a decision. If a person lacks capacity, they have an impairment or disturbance that leaves them unable to make a decision. A patient’s capacity to make decisions about their own care is a fundamental part of matters relating to end of life care
The procurator fiscal and fatal accident inquiries
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A procurator fiscal investigates all sudden and suspicious deaths in Scotland, conducts fatal accident inquiries and handles criminal complaints against the police. There are 11 procurator fiscals, each covering a specific geographical location within Scotland, who between them investigate around 14,000 sudden deaths each year
As a doctor, you may be asked to give evidence at an inquest, which is conducted by the coroner and, in some cases, in front of a jury. Find out what happens and how you can ensure you’re prepared
Medical examiners: a new role for England and Wales
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From April 2019, the new role of medical examiner will be introduced into the process for investigating the deaths of patients. Dr Ben Lobo, consultant physician, geriatrician and medical examiner, and Dr Ewen Ross, medicolegal consultant at Medical Protection, look at what this means for you
A 48-year-old man underwent abdominoplasty and liposuction. At the pre-operative visit, the consultant anaesthetist proposed general anaesthesia along with a spinal anaesthetic for the purpose of post-operative pain relief.
When patients miss appointments – should DNA mean Does Need Appointment?
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When patients fail to attend an appointment, it can be hugely frustrating for a number of reasons. It is also very costly, according to recent NHS England data that suggests up to 15 million general practice appointments are being wasted each year – at an estimated cost to the NHS of £216 million.
The cost of claims – control through proportionality
Time to read article: 3 mins
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If you have ever been unfortunate enough to receive a letter of claim, you will be aware of how stressful the process can be. Another aspect is the often high sums of money involved. Stephen Preater, costs adviser at Medical Protection, is part of an expert in-house team that is dedicated to controlling the amounts sought by claimants
Removing patients from the practice list is an emotive issue and should only be used as a last resort. The reasons for removing a patient from the list can be varied, but it should not be in response to patients lodging a complaint or failing to comply with treatment.
Good medical records – whether electronic or handwritten – are essential for the continuity of care of your patients. Adequate medical records enable you or somebody else to reconstruct the essential parts of each patient contact without reference to memory. They should therefore be comprehensive enough to allow a colleague to carry on where you left off.
The regulations on NHS complaints in Wales are designed to make complaints handling open and accountable, fair and proportionate, and patient-focused. The emphasis is on resolving concerns in a timely fashion, openly and honestly, and a philosophy of “investigate once, investigate well”.
Join Medical Protection today and practise with confidence knowing you have the best support in your corner.
At Medical Protection, all your protection is under one roof. Our protection goes beyond state-backed indemnity and supports you with more than just NHS claims.
With Medical Protection you can save up to 50% on your first year of newly qualified GP (NQGP) membership and up to 30% in your second year of practice. Get the protection your career deserves and the support you need as an NQGP.
Being subject to a complaint or investigation can be distressing and stressful. Our video series shows how Medical Protection will continue to provide you with personal support, advice and representation for a whole range of medicolegal concerns, protecting your career and reputation.
Read real-life cases of complaints, claims and clinical negligence taken from our archives.
Chosen to give you clear learning points to help you avoid similar situations and reduce your risk, the cases also feature advice from medicolegal experts.
Initiatives to transform the NHS are changing the way GPs and consultants work. At-scale arrangements are increasingly common and clinical contracts are frequently delivered through private organisations and limited companies.
Medical Protection can provide uniquely tailored indemnity and support that we can provide for your organisation and employees.
You'll notice a few things have changed on our website. After asking our members what they want in an online platform, we've made it easier to access our membership benefits and created a more personalised user experience.
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