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As a GP, what does the introduction of a state-backed indemnity scheme mean for my membership?

The scheme is planned to come into force from April 2019, although the details are still to be finalised so it is essential that you maintain your existing membership in the meantime.       
A state-backed indemnity scheme would only provide claims indemnity for clinical negligence claims arising from NHS contracted work. We believe that many GPs would therefore still want to retain their membership with Medical Protection, either with or without claims indemnity, depending on the amount of private work that they undertake.

Your membership includes the right to request claims indemnity, and support with any problems that arise from your professional practice, such as complaints, GMC inquiries, inquests and disciplinary proceedings.

A claim has just been made against me. Is it likely to be resolved before the state-backed scheme begins and if not, will I have to wait for it to be resolved before I can move to the new scheme?

The state-backed scheme is expected to launch in April 2019, and although it is possible that your claim could be resolved by then, it is unlikely. According to our latest figures, only 5% of new GP incidents that turn into claims are likely to be settled within 18 months. 

However, you will not have to wait for the claim to be resolved before you can move to the state-backed scheme. If the state-backed scheme launches while you have an outstanding case, then your case would continue to progress, although whether this would be through Medical Protection or through the new scheme would have to be determined. The details of the proposed scheme are still to be developed and we will update you when we know more.
 

When will state-backed indemnity be introduced and who is it for?

Work is underway to introduce a state-backed indemnity scheme for those working in general practice in England and Wales from 1 April 2019. Once the scheme goes live it will provide indemnity for clinical negligence claims arising from NHS contracted work.

I am a locum GP – what would state-backed indemnity mean for me?

Our understanding is that the state-backed scheme would provide a comprehensive NHS indemnity solution for all those who are involved in the delivery of general practice. However, the details are still to be developed, and we do not yet know how it will operate for different individuals within general practice. 

I am a GP in Scotland / Northern Ireland – is the Government exploring an option for me?

The health departments in Scotland and Northern Ireland have not yet announced whether they will introduce similar arrangements as those proposed for England and Wales. 

Discussions are ongoing, and we will continue to work with the Scottish Government and officials in Northern Ireland to help inform their plans for protecting GPs from the rising cost of clinical negligence. 

 

I am a Practice Xtra member – what would state-backed indemnity mean for me?

Our understanding is that the state-backed scheme would provide a comprehensive NHS indemnity solution for all those who are involved in the delivery of general practice. However, the details are still to be developed, and we do not yet know how it will operate for different individuals within general practice.

What does the Government’s announcement about NHS indemnity mean?

Both the UK and Welsh governments have announced that they are to develop a state-backed indemnity scheme for GPs.

Once developed, GPs would have access to a similar arrangement to the claims indemnity that is provided to NHS hospital doctors.

The scheme is planned to come into force from April 2019, although the details are still to be finalised, so it is essential that you maintain your existing membership until the NHS arrangement comes into effect.   

We have consistently pushed the UK Government to put the interests of GPs first, and we remain committed to securing the best outcome for GP members. We recognise that it might take time to iron out all the details of the planned scheme. We will update you when we know more.

 

Will I be able to keep my membership with Medical Protection when I move to the state-backed indemnity scheme?

Yes. The details of the state-backed scheme are still to be developed, but will only provide claims indemnity for clinical negligence claims arising from NHS contracted work.

You would still need to have your own claims indemnity for any non-NHS work that you do – such as providing tele-consultations for private firms, writing medical reports or doing medicolegal work.

A state-backed indemnity scheme won’t provide support for things such as complaints, GMC inquiries, inquests and disciplinary proceedings. Maintaining your membership with us would mean that you could continue to request this support, along with other member benefits, such as media advice and industry leading education and risk management resources, just as NHS doctors do.
 
GP Indemnity articles
Articles and features 01/04/2021

GPs in England and Wales – are you covered for claims?

GPs in England and Wales – are you covered for claims?

Time to read article: 3 mins
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Responsibility for the handling of clinical negligence claims against GPs in England and Wales changed on 1 April 2021. Dr Dawn McGuire, Medicolegal Consultant at Medical Protection, looks at what this might mean for you

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Case report 18/07/2019

An early presentation

An early presentation

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Baby T was eight weeks old when his mother brought him to his GP’s morning surgery. His mother had become increasingly concerned about his general irritability and frequent crying episodes, which lasted up to two hours. These had become apparent over the past three days, not settling with breast feeding.

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Case report 18/07/2019

Back again with cauda equina syndrome

Back again with cauda equina syndrome

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When Mrs C, a keen golfer in her early forties, began to experience constant pain in her lower back, she consulted a GP at her local surgery. Dr P took a history of slow onset of pain with restricted mobility. He did not examine her, but prescribed an NSAID and advised Mrs C to return in two weeks if there was no improvement.

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#BreakingBurnout
News and updates 27/11/2018

The importance of professional protection

The importance of professional protection

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Click to read through the reasons why retaining professional protection for help with these challenges is so important.

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Case report 27/11/2018

Video: Two years of Multiple Jeopardy

Video: Two years of Multiple Jeopardy

Time to read article: 6 mins
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A patient dies after amoxicillin reaction – we support GP through criminal investigation, inquest and GMC hearing.

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