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.

We have responded to the Legislation to Encourage Medical Innovation from the Department of 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.

MPS welcomes the opportunity to comment on these proposed changes to the GMC’s powers and procedures. We agree with the objective of clarifying the powers and responsibilities of the GMC and MPTS and we have made some detailed comments on the specific proposals below.

In response to the recent Legislation to encourage Medical Innovation Dr Nick Clements, Head of Medical Services at MPS said, "The Bill is unnecessary. Current law already allows doctors acting responsibly to innovate without fear of clinical negligence claims, provided they have the support of a responsible body of peers and the patient’s informed consent. The Bill gives false reassurance to doctors over their legal position and could undermine clinical trials therefore disrupting medical research.

Recent news stories have highlighted issues around treating a child who lacks capacity when the parents’ wishes conflict with doctors in terms of the child’s best interests.

An MPS survey of over 1,000 newly qualified doctors has found that they continue to face professional and personal challenges on the wards.1 The survey of doctors who are just completing their first (FY1) and second year (FY2) as trainees reveals that...

The Medical Protection Society (MPS) is interested to see that the Government is proposing amendments to reduce the risks of the Medical Innovation Bill; however it still believes the Bill is unnecessary.

We have responded to the Legislation to Encourage Medical Innovation from the Department of Health.

In wake of the recent Court of Appeal ruling on Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders the Medical Protection Society has received a number of enquiries from concerned members seeking clarification on the implications.

The Medical Protection Society (MPS) responds to the government’s decision to add the new criminal sanctions for ill treatment or wilful neglect to the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill.

Dr Nick Clements, Head of Medical Services at the Medical Protection Society said, 'Health regulation is complex and time should be taken to properly scrutinise the current arrangements, to prevent any rushed or ill-considered changes.

Dr Nick Clements, Head of Medical Services at the Medical Protection Society said, 'MPS strongly believes that whistleblowers’ complaints should be taken more seriously to help achieve better care for patients in the NHS.

We responded to the Legislation to encourage medical innovation consultation, which closed on 25 April 2014.

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.

We responded to the government's consultation on the new offence of ill-treatment or wilful neglect, which closed on 31 March 2014.

The current complaints process can be confusing; there needs to be clarity and support for GP practices, trusts and patients.

MPS has responded to the the Courts Reform (Scotland) Bill, to read the full response please use the attachment provided.

The Medical Protection Society (MPS) welcomes the importance placed on a culture of openness in the review of the threshold for the statutory duty of candour; but is concerned about when the duty will apply.

Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, medicolegal adviser at the Medical Protection Society (MPS) said, 'MPS is pleased to see that the launch of care.data is being postponed by six months, which will give NHS England the opportunity to address the concerns that have been raised.