MDDUS comment on the delay to action on the Paterson Report - prioritise safety, remove the tax threat

MDDUS comments on the UK Government's statement on the delay to action on the Paterson Report

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release: Tuesday, 28 April 2020

Chris Kenny, the CEO of MDDUS, has commented on the government’s delay to its response to the independent report into the actions of the jailed surgeon, Ian Paterson.

He said: “While it is understandable that COVID19 has delayed this work, we hope that action on the important patient safety recommendations of this important report are taken forward as promptly as possible.

"But it’s also important that Government recognises that the current crisis has weakened still further the already poorly-argued case for imposing the extra cost of compulsory insurance premium tax and insurance regulation on doctors, dentists and other clinicians. With general dental practice effectively on hold for an indefinite period, it’s time that this threat to all clinical professions was taken off the table once and for all, rather than just being kicked forward.

"Our strong view is that choice on indemnity or insurance for healthcare professionals and protection for patients are complementary, not opposite, goals and we hope to see recognition of that in the outcomes reached by Ministers in due course.”

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