The five principles of the Mental Capacity Act
Both legislation and the GMC’s guidance emphasise that doctors should presume that adults have the capacity to consent to or refuse a proposed treatment unless it can be established that they lack that capacity.
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Why should you join Medical Protection as a medical student?
Dr Caroline Osborne-White, Medicolegal Consultant at Medical Protection, explains why it is worth joining the world’s leading medical defence organisation as early as possible in your medical career.
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An example of a Good Samaritan act by a medical student
A medical student contacts Medical Protection after they assist in the aftermath of a road traffic collision.
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Pitfalls of social media
Dr Heidi Mounsey, Medicolegal Consultant at Medical Protection, looks at the dos and don’ts of social media use by medical professionals.
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High profile patients
Treating high-profile patients can often present a unique set of medicolegal challenges and it is important that doctors protect themselves, as well as the patient. Dr Emma Green, Medicolegal Consultant at Medical Protection, discusses the common issues and sets out some advice
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Abnormal blood results – alleged failure to follow up
Ms D, a 60-year-old woman, underwent a total hip replacement under the care of consultant orthopaedic surgeon Dr R.
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What does 'safe space' mean for safety investigations in the NHS?
Dr Sean Weaver, Deputy Medical Director, and Cassandra Cameron, Head of Policy and Strategy, from the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch, look towards the 2023 introduction of ‘safe space’ in England – and what this means for patient safety
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Breaching confidentiality: can doctors report a crime?
Dr Emma Green, medicolegal consultant at Medical Protection, recalls a harrowing experience encountering a violent patient and considers the impact on confidentiality when reporting criminal behaviour or assault.
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Considering the accidental storage of human tissue
A consultant in England contacted the Medical Protection advice line after she found a human skeleton in her loft while in the process of moving house.
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Providing support to refugee healthcare workers
Non-therapeutic circumcision - UK
Non-therapeutic circumcision of male children is carried out for religious or ritual reasons and is generally not available on the NHS.1 There is also a significant issue related to the appropriateness of the facilities in which the operation is carried out and a lack of formal training and certification in circumcision.
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Can I provide advice or prescribe medication to family and friends?
Can I provide advice or prescribe medication to family and friends?
Dr Gabrielle Pendlebury, Medicolegal Consultant at Medical Protection, looks at this increasingly common dilemma
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Mandatory vaccination for NHS staff
From 1 April 2022, vaccinations against COVID-19 will be mandatory for patient-facing health and care staff in England. Dr Heidi Mounsey, Medicolegal Consultant at Medical Protection, takes a closer look at what these changes mean
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Cauda equina and two versions of events
Experienced GP Dr N has her account of a cauda equina consultation challenged by the patient – how did Medical Protection help out in this case?
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Migraine misdiagnosis in child leads to claim
Repeated headaches in eight-year old Master J leads to a missed diagnosis and a claim against Dr P.
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Meet Clara Munro, from The BMJ’s new Doctor Informed podcast
Medical Protection speaks to Clara Munro, one of the creators and presenters of Doctor Informed, an upcoming podcast from The BMJ that aims to keep hospital doctors equipped with the skills to develop their daily practice.
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Patient surveillance reduces claim amount
Dr Sophie Haroon and Alison Clarke look at how surveillance of a claimant can be useful when defending against claims.
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COVID-19 vaccination: lacking capacity to consent
As the vaccination programme against COVID-19 continues in the UK, the usual laws around patient consent still apply. But what if your patient lacks capacity to consent? Dr Jayne Molodynski, Medicolegal Consultant at Medical Protection, offers advice and guidance
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Inquests – how can we help?
Dr Heidi Mounsey, Medicolegal Consultant at Medical Protection, looks at how inquests work and why you need Medical Protection assistance.
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Vaccinations: what are the medicolegal risks?
Dr Heidi Mounsey, Medicolegal Consultant at Medical Protection, looks at two recent cases linked to the COVID-19 vaccination programme, where members have called on Medical Protection for advice.
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