Members can still count on MDDUS to maintain their comprehensive protection

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release: Monday, 1 April 2019

Today marks a step change in clinical indemnity for GPs in England and Wales as the new Clinical Negligence Scheme for General Practice in England (CNSGP) and General Medical Practice Indemnity in Wales (GMPI) comes into force. However, these new schemes are not comprehensive and have a number of significant exclusions. They cover NHS clinical negligence claims but nothing else and GPs will require additional cover for other activities.

MDDUS is delighted to provide our GP members in England and Wales with a new membership product that maintains their comprehensive protection and a range of essential benefits not included in the new state-backed schemes.

MDDUS CEO Chris Kenny explains the importance of GPs staying with MDDUS for their personal protection. He said:

“It’s a new world for GPs but MDDUS will continue to be there to provide a gold standard service to our members as we have done for well over a hundred years. GPs will still need MDDUS to maintain their comprehensive protection that the new CNSGP and GMPI alone won’t deliver.

“Our new GP product for England and Wales will provide additional benefits not included in the state-backed schemes such as GMC hearings and disciplinary investigations, indemnity for private work outside of the NHS contract, assistance with coroner’s inquests, disciplinary matters and patient complaints.

“We will also continue to provide 24/7 expert medico-legal advice and support – something highly prized by MDDUS members. It is crucial to have access to support and guidance from experienced medico-legal advisers. This is evidenced by the fact that over the past 12 months MDDUS’ team of expert medical advisers handled more than 6,500 calls and opened nearly 4,000 new case files from GP members relating to issues NOT included in the state-backed schemes.

“In fact, almost two-thirds of cases handled by MDDUS in the past 12 months would not have been covered by the new scheme. As these figures show, there are a huge range of areas where GPs will not get support from the new schemes and will need supplementary expert help.

“That’s why the BMA recently reminded GPs of the importance of retaining their MDO subscription when the schemes are introduced. Advice from the BMA states that ‘MDOs will continue to play an important role’ and ‘it will be essential to maintain medical indemnity’.

“As our GP members in England and Wales require benefits for fewer services and a much lower risk it is inevitable that their fees will reflect that change. Our new product costs significantly less than our previous indemnity package. Fees will reflect individual circumstances and the level of cover required for the services the GP is providing.

“MDDUS will still be there for members going forward – and we will never cease to put preservation of the doctor’s professional reputation and integrity at the centre of all decisions. ‘No decision about me, without me’ works for doctors as well as patients.”

Visit our website to read more about our new product and to get a quote.

Ends

For further information contact Richard Hendry on 0333 0434444 or 07976 272266, or email rihendry@mddus.com.

Note to editors

MDDUS is the leading provider of GP indemnity in the UK with over 19,000 GP members. Founded in 1902, MDDUS is a mutual defence organisation offering expert medico-legal advice and professional indemnity for doctors and other healthcare professionals across the UK. After the introduction of the Clinical Negligence Scheme for General Practice, GPs still need comprehensive protection that CNSGP alone won’t provide. The scheme will not cover GPs for non-NHS work, representation at inquests, GMC hearings and disciplinary investigations. Such situations can seriously impact upon a GP’s career and could ultimately result in them being struck off. The scheme will also not include advice and support – something highly prized by MDDUS members. It is therefore crucial that GPs have access to support and guidance from experienced medico-legal advisers. You can access our CNSGP information hub here.