Discover useful resources for exam revision, online learning and Electives that will help support your time as a Medical Student and beyond as a Foundation Doctor.
The GMC states that “doctors play a crucial role in protecting children from abuse and neglect”. Child maltreatment includes neglect and physical, sexual and emotional abuse. The following frequently asked questions are designed to advise MPS members what to do and who to contact, should they suspect children are at risk of, or are experiencing, harm.
Doctors play a crucial role in protecting children from abuse and neglect. Surgery consultations, home visits, emergency department admissions and contact with other professionals who work with children help to build up a picture of a child’s situation. This factsheet is designed to help members know how to act and who to contact when they suspect children are at risk of or are experiencing harm.
Under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations (2001), GPs have a responsibility for controlled drugs (CDs) within their practice. This factsheet highlights what you should be aware of when carrying, storing and recording controlled drugs.
MPS says the Medical Innovation Bill is unnecessary
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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.
MPS reminds doctors of duty to children who lack capacity
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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.
Half of junior doctors have quality care concerns – supportive open culture needed
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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...
MPS responds to DH report on Medical Innovation Bill – the Bill is still unnecessary
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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.
Medicolegal adviser and MPS spokesperson, Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, outlines the various tactics employed by the press and what to do if you become involved in a media story.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has been a criminal offence in the UK since 1985 and the legislation was re-enacted in the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003. Five official reports on the subject have been published since November 2013 and MPS has produced this guidance for members.
The General Medical Council (GMC) guidelines Doctors’ use of social media establish the standards expected from every doctor practising in the UK. The guide details the principles of conduct for using social media and explains how doctors can put these principles into practice.
Doctors’ obligations remain unchanged after DNR ruling, says MPS
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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.
MPS disappointed as criminal sanction for wilful neglect added to Courts Bill
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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.
Queen’s Speech: MPS responds to GMC on Law Commission Bill
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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.
The Adults with Incapacity Act was introduced in 2000 to safeguard the welfare of adults (age 16 and over) who lack capacity for making their own healthcare decisions, due to a mental disorder or an inability to communicate. This factsheet provides information on how patients with incapacity should be cared for.
Valid consent is just as important when treating children and young people as it is with adults. In some situations children are able to give consent themselves, and sometimes others need to take the decision on their behalf. This factsheet sets out the basic information to enable you to obtain the appropriate consent from children and young people.
MPS believes whistleblowers’ complaints should be taken more seriously
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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.
As an expert you should be aiming to produce a report which is free standing – from which the reader can glean the key issues in the case, understand the evidence available and reach a clear understanding of the range of expert opinion, without needing to look at any other document.
As a doctor, you may be asked to give evidence in many different types of tribunals, including criminal or civil courts, the coroner’s court and employment or mental health tribunals. This factsheet gives further information about what to expect and how to prepare.
Mental Capacity Act 2005 – Assessments under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards - England and Wales
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Under the Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (MCA DOLS), six assessments have to be successfully conducted before a local authority (supervisory body) can authorise the deprivation of an individual’s liberty in a hospital or a care home.
One of the most difficult situations faced by any clinician is when you are concerned that a colleague’s behaviour, health or professional performance may be placing patients at risk. This factsheet outlines your duty to raise concerns when patients may be at risk of harm.
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.
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