MedWorm: Medical Defence Union (MDU)

MDU calls for Health Bill change to ensure CCGs check firms' indemnity

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:30:00 +0100

The Health Bill must be amended to force clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) to check that providers of care including firms have the proper indemnity arrangements, says the Medical Defence Union (MDU) (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

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GP complaints down 10%, says MDU

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Complaints about general practice have fallen by 10% in the past year, bringing them back down to 2008 levels, data from the the Medical Defence Union (MDU) reveal. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

Reporting Suspected Rioters, Medical Defense Union Advises UK Physicians

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 11:00:00 +0100

Over half of UK doctors have been advised by The Medical Defence Union (MDU) regarding when they can report a patient to the authorities following the riots and looting in cities across England this month. Although many people have been arrested after being traced by published CCTV images of them, the search for suspects is most likely to persist in the following weeks and doctors may be approached by the authorities for information. The MDU believes this raises questions of when it is suitable for doctors to disclose information without patient consent... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Police may ask GPs for information about rioting and looting

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:24:00 +0100

GPs may be asked for information about patients' involvement in the looting and riots in England as the police continue their search for suspects, the Medical Defence Union (MDU) has said. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

What the new healthcare environment holds for clinical negligence indemnity

HSJ — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 09:23:00 +0100

Changes ushered in by the Health Bill will mean indemnity contracts between providers and commissioners will need to be considered carefully and satisfy both sides before being set in place. Medical Defence Union chief executive Dr Christine Tomkins explains. (Source: HSJ)

MDU Unconvinced About 'Fast Track' Approach To Complex Negligence Claims, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 11:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union (MDU), the UK's leading medical defence body, today questioned the viability and fairness of introducing a scheme to fast-track low-value clinical negligence claims along the same lines as an existing road traffic accidents scheme. The road traffic accident scheme is judged as a success but in its response to the Ministry of Justice consultation, Solving disputes in the county courts, the MDU explained that clinical negligence cases are significantly more complex... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Doctors Should Have Nothing To Fear From Openness And Honesty Says MDU, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:00:00 +0100

Doctors who have been open and honest with patients when something has gone wrong should not then be made scapegoats for system failures says the Medical Defence Union which represents over half of UK doctors... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

MDU Advises GPs To Be On Alert For Holiday Health Problems, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:00:00 +0100

As the summer holidays get underway, the Medical Defence Union (MDU) today reminds GPs to be on the alert in case their patients return home with an unwanted - and undiagnosed - souvenir. The UK's leading medical defence organisation suggested patients could also help their doctor by telling them if they had recently returned from their holidays... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Fairness Of Doctors' Tribunal Proposal Questioned By MDU

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 07:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union (MDU) believes that the GMC's proposals for a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) would not make it independent enough from the GMC. In its consultation response*, the UK's leading medical defence organisation suggests the GMC needs to do more work to reassure doctors about its plans... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

GPs use Boots vouchers to help drug misusers stay clean

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0100

An incentive scheme to help Class A drug misusers was among the winners of this year's GP Enterprise Awards, organised by GP newspaper and the RCGP, and supported by the Medical Defence Union (MDU). (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

Intra‐Articular Injection and Driving Advice: A Survey of UK Rheumatologists' Current Practice

Musculoskeletal Care — Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

ConclusionThere is no clear consensus among rheumatologists as to practice regarding driving following an intra‐articular injection. Medico‐legally, there is no absolute bar to driving following an intra‐articular injection, and guidance points to clinicians' own judgement as to the safety of driving. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Musculoskeletal Care)

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With A Hot Summer In Prospect, MDU Warns GPs To Be Vigilant For Malignant Melanomas, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 31 May 2011 11:00:00 +0100

With spring 2011 set to be one of the driest on record and warnings that the UK will have a heat-wave summer, the Medical Defence Union (MDU) has issued advice to GPs to help avoid the pitfalls of treating skin lesions, after revealing that it has been notified of 134 cases involving patients with malignant melanoma in the last five years. Of these cases, 123 arose in primary care, where the majority (89%) involved allegations of delayed or failed diagnosis... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

GPs Urged to be Cautious with Child Flu Vaccines

PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 20:28:26 +0100

The Medical Defence Union (MDU) is advising GPs and practice nurses to take extra care when immunising children with seasonal flu vaccines after becoming aware of a handful of cases where the...(PRWeb February 20, 2011)Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/MDU/child-flu-vaccines/prweb5086204.htm (Source: PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals)

GPs get child flu vaccine warning

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 01:25:55 +0100

GPs are urged to take care with the seasonal flu jab after the Medical Defence Union receives reports that some youngsters were given the wrong vaccine. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Proposed Changes To Civil Claims Funding Will Be Fairer For All Says MDU

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 09:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union (MDU), the UK's leading medical defence organisation, says that civil litigation costs need to be controlled to make the civil justice system fairer to defendant doctors and dentists, but this will not mean patients are unable to seek compensation through the courts. In its response to the Government's consultation about civil litigation funding*, the MDU says it strongly supports the proposals to address the disproportionate costs awarded to claimants in Conditional Fee Arrangement (CFA) cases... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Health Bill Must Guarantee Patients' Access To Compensation, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union (MDU) is calling on the government to specify in the Health & Social Care Bill how services commissioned by GPs should be indemnified so that patients negligently harmed will be properly compensated. The MDU has written to MPs, ahead of today's debate on the Bill, to point out that the fact that indemnity is not mentioned is a serious omission which needs addressing urgently... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Mandatory Indemnity Offers No Guarantees For Patients Warns MDU, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Today's government announcement that it accepts the recommendation that healthcare professionals should by law be required to have indemnity is welcome and timely, according to the Medical Defence Union, the UK's leading provider of medical indemnity, but it says it is disappointed that this alone will not give the guarantee that doctors and patients need... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

First Fines Issued For Data Losses As MDU Warns Practices To Check Systems

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 10:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union is reminding general practices about the importance of protecting patient data after the Information Commissioner issued the first fines to organisations breaching the Data Protection Act. Using new powers gained in April this year, the Commissioner issued a fine of Â£100,000 to Hertfordshire County Council for faxing information about a child abuse case to the wrong recipients, while an employment company was fined Â£60,000 for the loss of an unencrypted laptop containing the personal information of 24,000 people... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Risk management in dermatology: an analysis of data available from several British‐based reporting systems

British Journal of Dermatology — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Several of the reported adverse events concern systemic failures. Recommendations for risk reduction include the following points: better systems for drug monitoring (including regularity of attendance, provision of sufficient follow‐up appointments, acting on results and adequacy of pregnancy prevention programmes); staff training and record keeping for phototherapy; acting on skin cancer multidisciplinary team meeting outcomes (including provision of sufficient follow‐up appointments); and adequate training of staff in dermatological surgery including cryotherapy. Regular monitoring of the occurrence of such reports is needed to ensure safe practice and to identify early areas of new risk. (Source: British Journal of Dermatology)

Risk management in dermatology: an analysis of data available from several British-based reporting systems.

The British Journal of Dermatology — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Several of the reported adverse events concern systemic failures. Recommendations for risk reduction include the following points: better systems for drug monitoring (including regularity of attendance, provision of sufficient follow-up appointments, acting on results and adequacy of pregnancy prevention programmes); staff training and record keeping for phototherapy; acting on skin cancer multidisciplinary team meeting outcomes (including provision of sufficient follow-up appointments); and adequate training of staff in dermatological surgery including cryotherapy. Regular monitoring of the occurrence of such reports is needed to ensure safe practice and to identify early areas of new risk. PMID: 21143464 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The British Journal ...

Medical Defence Union questions value of prosecuting doctors for manslaughter

BMJ Online First — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: BMJ Online First)

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Inflation-Busting Legal Costs Rise By 3,400 Per Cent In 30 Years Says MDU, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 07:00:00 +0100

The costs of settling clinical negligence claims have spiralled in the last 30 years says the Medical Defence Union (MDU). The UK's leading medical defence organisation, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this week, revealed average claimants' legal costs had increased by three times the rate of inflation since 1981. In 2010, the average claimants' costs paid by the MDU on behalf of its doctor members was Â£44,500, 34 times higher than the figure in 1981 of just Â£1,300... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

MDU Review Of Ombudsman Complaints Highlights Importance Of Apologising, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 09:00:00 +0100

An MDU analysis of members' complaints reaching the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman underlines the importance of apologising, thorough investigation and a detailed response to complaints. The findings echo those in a report into complaints handling that has just been published by the Ombudsman.* The Medical Defence Union (MDU) analysed 38 complaints which reached the Ombudsman, notified by its GP and hospital doctor members over a 12 month period - April 2009 to April 2010. The majority of complaints were notified by GP members (32)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

MDU Clarifies Position For Good Samaritan Doctors, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Doctors are being reassured that they can fulfil their ethical duty to help out in an emergency as a good Samaritan, safe in the knowledge that they are covered should the accident victim later sue. The Medical Defence Union (MDU) issued the clarification in response to a report and recommendations on the compensation culture by Lord Young, suggesting introducing legal protection for good Samaritans... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Fitness-to-practise reform may be costly and ineffective, MDU warns

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:10:00 +0100

Proposals for the reform of doctors' fitness-to-practise tribunals do not go far enough and may prove costly, the Medical Defence Union (MDU) has warned. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

Look Out For Early Cancer Signs, MDU Advises GPS

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100

GPs are being advised to be alert to early symptoms and signs of malignancy, which according to a Medical Defence Union claims analysis, is the most frequent diagnosis to be missed or delayed in primary care. The Medical Defence Union (MDU) issued the advice following the publication of a study in the British Journal of General Practice identifying eight early symptoms and signs indicative of cancer for specific age and sex groups1... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Be alert to cancer signs to avoid legal issues

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:10:00 +0100

GPs should remain vigilant for signs and symptoms of malignancy in order to avoid legal complications, the Medical Defence Union (MDU) has warned. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

MDU urges GPs to be alert to the signs of meningitis

NeLM - News — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Source: NICE Area: News The Medical Defence Union (MDU) has urged GPs to be alert to the signs of meningitis, after it revealed that £22 million has been paid out since 1998 in legal claims for failures and delays in diagnosis. The MDU said although meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia claims account for only 2% of cases notified by its members, they account for 15% of the payments made to settle claims. It is now calling for GPs to review their procedure for managing such patients and has highlighted the importance of using the recent NICE guideline on the management of bacterial meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia in children published in June 2010 (see link below). This stresses that "prompt recognition of the signs and symptoms of bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disea...

GPs urged to review procedures for meningitis

Pulse — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 08:15:00 +0100

GP practices could be liable for millions of pounds in damages unless they revamp their procedures for managing patients with suspected meningitis, the Medical Defence Union has warned. (Source: Pulse)

Â£22million Paid By MDU To Settle Medical Negligence Claims For Meningtis Diagnostic Delays Since 1998 - GP's Need To Review Procedures

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union is suggesting GPs review their procedures for managing patients with suspected meningitis as it revealed today it has paid out Â£22million to settle claims for delay in diagnosing the infection since 1998. According to a new study of medical negligence claims settled by the Medical Defence Union (MDU) following a failure or delay in diagnosing meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia by GPs, numbers remain small, with 34 cases settled in the last twelve years... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Opportunity Missed By Indemnity Review Says MDU

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 08:00:00 +0100

The recommendation for mandatory indemnity for healthcare professionals is not before time, said the Medical Defence Union (MDU), but it is disappointed that the recommendations do not go far enough. Responding to the publication today of an independent review of the requirement to have insurance or indemnity as a condition of registration as a healthcare professional,1 Dr Christine Tomkins, MDU chief executive said: "Patients should be properly compensated if a doctor or dentist makes a negligent mistake... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Gun concerns: Why doctors should not always speak out

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 05:06:30 +0100

In this week's Scrubbing Up, Dr Michael Devlin, head of advisory services at the Medical Defence Union, explains that GPs are struggling to decide when and if to break patient confidentiality over gun licences. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

NPSA issues updated guidance for junior doctors in the event of a medical safety incident

NeLM - News — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Source: NPSA Area: News An updated guide has been published by the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) which describes steps junior doctors should follow in the event of a medical safety incident. The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) has published an updated guide which describes steps junior doctors should follow in the event of a medical safety incident. The guide, "Medical Error: What to do if things go wrong", describes the importance of effective communication, documentation, reporting and complaint handling by junior doctors following a medical error and includes case studies based on previous real life situations. The publication also highlights: . the common sources of errors for junior doctors, such as handover and documentation; .&n...

Helping to prevent hospital medication errors.

British Journal of Hospital Medicine — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100

This article looks at some of the medication errors that can occur and considers steps that could help to reduce the risk and improve patient safety. PMID: 20551886 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: British Journal of Hospital Medicine)

Obtain extra information when treating prisoners, advises MDU

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Mon, 31 May 2010 00:05:00 +0100

GPs should obtain as much information as possible from prisoners and those involved in their care to avoid missing diagnoses, according to the Medical Defence Union (MDU). (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

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Prison Doctors Get Advice On Treatment Behind Bars

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 30 May 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Advice for doctors on ways to overcome the particular difficulties of treating prisoners, is published by the Medical Defence Union (MDU) . An MDU analysis of medical negligence claims against prison doctor members highlights the added complications of treating prisoners, such as the doctor not having access to the patient's medical records and delays in prisoners being released for treatment in hospitals. An analysis of 61 medical negligence claims against prison doctors notified to the MDU over eight years is featured in the latest edition of the MDU's Journal... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Anterior mediastinal masses and anesthesia in children: how far have we come along?

Journal of Clinical Anesthesia — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 12:42:09 +0100

Anesthetic management of diagnostic and surgical procedures in children with anterior mediastinal mass may present life-threatening challenges. Closed claims data from the Australasian Incident Monitoring Study, the United Kingdom Medical Defence Union, and the ASA before 2001 indicated a total of 8 adverse events and claims related to anterior mediastinal mass . The majority of patients were under 18 years of age (7 of 8 claims), and most cases occurred in patients under the age of 8 years (6 of 8 claims). These patients underwent a seemingly trivial procedure, ie, a diagnostic biopsy, and yet 8 patients suffered severe brain damage and death . The common descriptions by several anesthesiologists involved in the claims were bronchospasm or some difficulty with ventilation . These catastro...

Practices should get patients' consent to text, advises defence union

Management in Practice — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:09:29 +0100

Medical Defence Union says it is unwise to rely on patients’ implied consent if communicating by SMS message, and they should be able to "opt-in" (Source: Management in Practice)

Concern over assisted suicide guidelines for doctors

Management in Practice — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:51:32 +0100

Medical Defence Union says new guidelines on prosecution for assisted suicide do not have enough clarity concerning health professionals (Source: Management in Practice)

Two-thirds of GPs report being assaulted

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:15:00 +0100

More than two-thirds of GPs and registrars have been verbally or physically assaulted in the last five years, according to a Medical Defence Union survey. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

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Doctors Need More Training To Manage Consultations With Abusive Patients Says Medical Defence Union, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Doctors are vulnerable to aggressive, demanding, abusive or even violent patients and feel ill-equipped to manage such consultations, according to an MDU survey. Of 172 GPs and hospital doctors who responded to the survey, over half (99) said they had been physically or verbally assaulted in the last five years. While some of the respondents accepted this as 'part of the job', over half (100) said they had not received training in dealing with such situations and would like to feel more confident... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Calls from UK GPs to medical defence union up 11%

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Calls from UK GPs to medical advisers at the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) increased by 11% to a record 7,060 in 2009. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

Out-Of-Hours Complaints Up By Half Says Medical Defence Union

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union today revealed that there has been a 50 per cent increase in the complaints related to out-of-hours (OOH) consultations notified by its GP members. OOH complaints also represented an increased proportion of the total complaints against GPs compared to a similar MDU study in 2007. The Medical Defence Union (MDU), the UK's leading medical defence organisation, revealed it had been notified of 517 complaints related to out-of-hours consultations by GP members in 2007 and 2008, compared to 337 in the previous two years, an increase of 53 per cent*... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

GP complaints about out-of-hours care increase by 53%

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:15:00 +0100

Complaints by GPs about out-of-hours consultations have increased by 53%, according to the Medical Defence Union (MDU). (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

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Medical Defence Union Sees Doubling In Bariatric Surgery Cases, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:00:00 +0100

An analysis of bariatric surgery claims, published by the Medical Defence Union, reveals that there has been a dramatic rise in the number of cases notified in the past two years. The MDU says that while the numbers of medical negligence claims arising from bariatric surgery, notified by its members working in independent practice, remains relatively low, with 35 cases notified since 2003, more than half of these were notified during 2008 and 2009. These claims involve a relatively new type of surgery, where the stomach is banded or bypassed to produce weight loss in obese patients... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Medical Defence Union Welcomes Report On Civil Litigation Costs

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union (MDU), the UK's leading medical defence organisation today warmly welcomes the Right Honourable Lord Justice Jackson's final report into civil litigation costs* which we believe is well-considered and if implemented will improve the civil litigation process for claimants and defendants. MDU Head of Claims, Jill Harding, comments: "We are delighted that Lord Justice Jackson has listened to the arguments from all parties and this is clear from the thoroughness of his report and the carefully-argued conclusions... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

General practices urged to register patients' gifts

Management in Practice — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:59:27 +0100

Medical Defence Union says gifts should not influence or be seen to influence care following advice on the issue after Christmas (Source: Management in Practice)

Medical staff get advice on gifts

Nursing in Practice — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:07:14 +0100

The Medical Defence Union has issued guidance for healthcare staff about the appropriate way to deal with gifts from patients (Source: Nursing in Practice)

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Union issues advice over gifts

Nursing Times Breaking News — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:17:00 +0100

General practices should keep a register of gifts received from patients and ensure that they do not influence the care provided, according to the Medical Defence Union (MDU). (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

Practices Advised By The Medical Defence Union On The Golden Rules Of Accepting Gifts, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Practices are being advised on the importance of keeping a register of gifts and on dealing with any dilemmas that accepting a gift can cause. In its latest edition of inpractice, its journal for practice managers, the MDU says the golden rule is that gifts should not influence or be seen to influence the care a patient receives.* It also advises that all gifts are recorded on a register. The MDU, the UK's leading medical defence organisation, says many members sought advice on this topic over the Christmas and New Year period... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Medical Defence Union's Ten Point Plan To Help Hospital Doctors Avoid Medication Errors, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Following today's publication of the GMC's study into prescribing errors in hospital1 which revealed that mistakes could be made by doctors at all levels, the Medical Defence Union (MDU), the UK's leading medical defence organisation, which represents over half of UK doctors, has published tips to help doctors avoid the most common problems. Dr Karen Roberts, MDU clinical risk manager said: "As the GMC's study shows, the level of medication errors in hospitals is very small compared to the number of patients who are successfully cared for and treated... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Doctors Warned About Responding To Patient Flirts On Facebook, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:00:00 +0100

Doctors are being warned not to respond to amorous approaches from patients on social networking sites like Facebook, by the Medical Defence Union (MDU) today. Whatever the implicit social rules of such sites, the MDU says it would be wholly inappropriate to respond to a patient making advances in this way. The MDU, the UK's leading medical defence organisation, is aware of a number of cases where patients have attempted to proposition doctors by sending them an unsolicited message on Facebook or similar sites... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Cosmetic surgery 'needs regulation'

NHS News Feed — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:44:00 +0100

Several newspapers have reported the dangers associated with cosmetic surgery, including a lack of regulation in some areas of the industry. The reports also feature warnings from Nigel Mercer, the president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, who voiced his views as part of a series of medical articles on cosmetic surgery. Mr Mercer called for tighter regulation and testing of drugs, procedures and implants to offer more protection to patients. The Times reported that the number of cosmetic surgical operations conducted by “audited members of the profession” has more than tripled to 34,000 since 2003, but that many additional procedures are being carried out illegally on the black market. The newspaper says that these are “fuelled by internet promotions, magazi...

Improving the safety of aesthetic surgery: Recommendations following a 14-year review of cases referred to the Medical Defence Union from across the United Kingdom (1990-2004)

Clinical Risk — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:58:15 +0100

This article looks at where these deficiencies in documentation lay to make recommendations for surgeons practising aesthetic surgery. (Source: Clinical Risk)

Doctors 'should avoid treating family'

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:00:45 +0100

Dr John Holden, of the Medical Defence Union, argues that it's all too easy for doctors to put their livelihoods at risk if they treat friends and family. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Practices urged over confidentiality as new guidance published

Management in Practice — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:54:45 +0100

Medical Defence Union says GPs should familiarise themselves with the General Medical Council’s updated guidance on confidentiality (Source: Management in Practice)

Dr James Le Fanu: selfdiagnosis

The Telegraph : Health Advice — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:08:43 +0100

Speak up about your symptoms writes Dr James Le Fanu (Source: The Telegraph : Health Advice)

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No change for doctors on assisted suicide

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:05:00 +0100

Doctors' position remains unchanged by guidance on the public interest factors to be considered when deciding whether to prosecute the offence of assisted suicide, according to the Medical Defence Union (MDU) (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

A matter of life or death

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 04:59:52 +0100

The Medical Defence Union's medico-kegal advisor warns that doctors may be putting their livelihood and liberty on the line by offering advice or assistance to the friends and family of a person who wants to commit assisted suicide abroad. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

GPs forming companies should check indemnity

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The increasing numbers of GPs who organise themselves into companies to bid for contracts from primary care organisations should ensure their company has adequate indemnity in place, according to the Medical Defence Union (MDU). (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

Profession 'in danger of over-regulation' MDU warns

Pulse — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:41:00 +0100

The medical profession is in danger of becoming over-regulated, the Medical Defence Union (MDU) has warned. (Source: Pulse)

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Medical Defence Union's New Scottish Recruits Help Meet Doctors' Demands For Medico-Legal Advice, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union (MDU) has recruited three new medico-legal advisers in Scotland, bringing its team of experts north of the border to nine - its biggest ever team in the country. The new medico-legal advisers, who are all former practising doctors, will help the MDU meet the increasing demand for its services by doctors with ethical and legal dilemmas about their care of patients. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Medical Defence Union Cautions Members About Assisted Suicide Discussions, UK

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:00:00 +0100

Doctors are being reminded that assisting a suicide is illegal in England and Wales and that they should not give advice to patients to help them travel abroad to take their own lives. The Medical Defence Union (MDU), the UK's leading medical defence organisation, which has over 50 per cent of UK doctors as members, issued the warning in response to the RCN adopting a neutral position on the issue of assisted suicide and the media debate which has followed. (Source: Public Health News From Medical News Today)

Tuesday 28 July

Royal College of Nursing News Alert — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Doctors warned not to talk to patients about assisted suicide The Medical Defence Union has warned its members that they could face a criminal investigation if they discuss assisted suicide with patients. The Unions solicitor, Ian Barker, said that members could be approached for advice by patients as a result of the Royal College of Nursing stating in news reports that it wishes to engage in a debate with its nurse members about assisted suicide and the recent media interest in this issue. The Independent has an opinion piece which contains a brief segment on the RCNs move to adopt a neutral stance on assisted suicide. (Source: Royal College of Nursing News Alert)

Can doctors just say no?

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 04:20:20 +0100

Despite increasing patient choice in healthcare, Dr James Armstrong of the Medical Defence Union says doctors still sometimes have to say no. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

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Practice managers have key role in new complaints procedure

Management in Practice — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:34:41 +0100

Practice managers are being advised about their central role in the new complaints procedure by the Medical Defence Union (Source: Management in Practice)

Medical Defence Union Supports Apologies To Patients But Says No Need For Duty Of Candour

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:00:00 +0100

Doctors already have a professional duty to provide patients with an explanation and apology when something goes wrong and the Medical Defence Union's experience is that doctors do raise concerns and there is no need for a legal duty of candour. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

GPs encouraged to say sorry if things go wrong

Management in Practice — Tue, 19 May 2009 03:54:10 +0100

An apology does not mean an admission of liability and may be all a patient wants to hear, says the Medical Defence Union (Source: Management in Practice)

Medical Defence Union Encourages Doctors To Say Sorry If Things Go Wrong, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 17 May 2009 07:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union (MDU) the UK's largest medical defence organisation has reassured doctors that they are not admitting liability if they apologise when something has gone wrong with their treatment of a patient. Dr Christine Tomkins, MDU Chief Executive said: "For over 50 years we have advised our members to apologise if something goes wrong. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

MDU guide on new complaints system

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The new complaints procedure introduced in England this month is the subject of a Medical Defence Union (MDU) guide. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

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Medical Defence Union Launches Guide To New Complaints Procedure

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:00:00 +0100

MDU members are being guided through the new complaints procedure, which is introduced in England on 1 April, with the help of a new publication, launched today. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Patients Could Be Left In The Lurch By Uninsured Doctors And Dentists Warns Medical Defence Union, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 08:00:00 +0100

Patients are at risk of not receiving compensation if they are negligently harmed by a doctor or dentist warned the Medical Defence Union (MDU). Under the current, outdated system of medical and dental indemnity, doctors and dentists are still not required to have insurance. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Number Of MDU Workshops Increased Due To Popular Demand

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 08:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union (MDU), the UK's leading medical defence organisation, has released dates for its 2009 workshops aimed at doctors in their foundation year and in specialty training posts. After its 2008 events sold out, the MDU has increased the number of dates this year to meet the anticipated demand. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Don't Stigmatise Doctors Who Are Sued Urges Medical Defence Union, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:00:00 +0100

The MDU is warning against using information about clinical negligence claims as a measure of doctors' performance. Placing too much reliance on such information is likely to stigmatise doctors, as information about negligence claims is not a useful indicator of poor performance, the MDU explains in an article in the latest edition of the MDU Journal 1. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Don’t stigmatise doctors who are sued, urges MDU

Management in Practice — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 04:16:56 +0100

Medical Defence Union warns against using information about clinical negligence claims as a measure of doctors’ performance (Source: Management in Practice)

In-Flight Emergency Doctors Reassured By Medical Defence Union

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Doctors called upon to assist with the increasing number of in-flight medical emergencies are being reassured that they can step forward with confidence by the Medical Defence Union (MDU), the UK's leading medical defence organisation. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Medical Defence Union Urges Government Not To Water Down Deprivation Of Liberty Safeguards, UK

Mental Health News From Medical News Today — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Assessments carried out to determine whether it is appropriate for a patient with a mental disorder to be detained for care or treatment by a care home or hospital should only be done by a healthcare professional with insurance in order to help safeguard the rights of vulnerable patients says the MDU, the UK's leading medical defence organisation. (Source: Mental Health News From Medical News Today)

"Excessive" legal fees mean rising cost of negligence cases

Management in Practice — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 18:12:00 +0100

Medical Defence Union says action needed over "disproportionate" legal costs awarded to clinical negligence claimants' solicitors (Source: Management in Practice)

Put An End To Excessive Legal Costs, Says Medical Defence Union, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:00:00 +0100

Following today's announcement that clinical negligence contributions by NHS trusts in England are expected to rise by 80% next year, the MDU, the UK's leading medical defence organisation, said it agreed with the NHS Litigation Authority that disproportionate legal costs awarded to claimants' solici (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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GPs face indemnity cost rise because of huge legal fees

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:36:00 +0100

GPs may be forced to pay higher contributions for indemnity unless the government takes steps to cut legal fees solicitors charge, the Medical Defence Union warns. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

New Medical Defence Union Journal For Foundation Year Doctors, UK

Medical Students News From Medical News Today — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:00:00 +0100

Ward Round, a brand new journal for foundation year doctors, has been launched by the Medical Defence Union (MDU), the UK's leading medical defence organisation. Ward Round, will be published twice-yearly and sent to the MDU's F1 and F2 members. The first issue* focuses on what F1 and F2 doctors need to know about patient capacity and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. MDU solicitor, Ian Barker, looks at a number of scenarios and explains how the law will work in practice. (Source: Medical Students News From Medical News Today)

New mental health legislation means GPs must be insured, says MDU

Management in Practice — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:38:04 +0100

Medical Defence Union warns that new regulations mean that discretionary indemnity is not enough for GPs who carry out mental health assessments (Source: Management in Practice)

GPs warned to take out insurance for mental capacity assessments

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:37:00 +0100

Changes to regulations mean that doctors can no longer assess patients' mental capacity unless they are insured, the Medical Defence Union (MDU) has warned. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

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Doctors Need Insurance For New Mental Capacity Assessments Warns Medical Defence Union, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:00:00 +0100

Doctors who assess the mental capacity of mental health patients must have insurance against any liabilities that may arise, under new legislation which has just come into force. The UK's leading medical defence organisation, the Medical Defence Union (MDU) says the regulations mean that doctors who are reliant on discretionary indemnity will not be eligible to carry out these assessments. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Learn and share lessons from complaints, say legal advisers

Management in Practice — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:33:38 +0100

Practices should have robust systems in place for investigating and acting upon patient complaints, says the Medical Defence Union (Source: Management in Practice)

Learn And Share Lessons From Complaints Says Medical Defence Union

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:00:00 +0100

As the National Audit Office publishes its report on complaints handling1 today, highlighting a lack of learning from complaints, the Medical Defence Union, the UK's largest provider of insurance indemnity to doctors, stresses the importance of setting up a system to learn from significant events, including complaints, and sharing this knowledge with others. (Source: Public Health News From Medical News Today)

Medicolegal chief slams UK's "oudated" indemnity system

Management in Practice — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:44:24 +0100

Unlike other EU states, the UK is persisting with an unregulated indemnity system that puts patients at risk, says Medical Defence Union (Source: Management in Practice)

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Knife Wounds Guidance 'timely And Appropriate', Sayd Medical Defence Union Of Scotland

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:00:00 +0100

Interim guidance by the GMC and the Department of Health on the reporting of knife wounds is timely and appropriate, says the MDDUS. The guidance says that a doctor treating a patient with a wound "inflicted in a violent attack with a knife, blade or other sharp instrument" should inform the police. If in doubt about the cause of an injury, consult a colleague. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

UK Out In The Cold On Insurance Question Says Medical Defence Union

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union, the UK's leading medical defence organisation, warned that the UK was in danger of being one of the last countries in the EU to persist with an outdated system of indemnifying doctors which risks leaving patients uncompensated. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Medical Defence Union Continues 'Doctors For Doctors' Tradition With New Chief Executive, UK

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union (MDU), the UK's first and largest medical defence organisation for doctors, today announced that it has appointed Dr Christine Tomkins* as its new Chief Executive. She will take over from present Chief Executive Dr Michael Saunders** after his planned retirement from the MDU Board at the end of April 2009. (Source: Public Health News From Medical News Today)

Medical Defence Union Helps Doctors Meet Professional Expectations, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union, the UK's leading medical defence organisation, has announced a new addition to its educational programme, the MDU Professionalism in Medicine & Healthcare Workshop. Targeting hospital doctors and those in general practice, the workshop focuses on the nature of professionalism and how it applies to daily clinical practice. Dr. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Medical Defence Union Advice Line The First Call For Members, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 07:00:00 +0100

Disclosing information about a child to an estranged parent; whether to inform the police that a patient with diabetes was continuing to drive despite being warned not to; and a patient refusing treatment following a paracetamol overdose were just some of the 25,000 calls to the Medical Defence Union (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Sharp rise in GMC cases behind jump in indemnity costs, MDU reports

Pulse — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 07:00:00 +0100

A sharp increase in the number of doctors being investigated by the General Medical Council and lengthier hearings has resulted in spiralling legal costs, the Medical Defence Union has reported. (Source: Pulse)

Medical union launches 24-hour advice hotline

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0100

A 24-hour advice hotline has been launched by the Medical Defence Union (MDU). (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

GMC expert witness guidance welcomed

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 01:06:00 +0100

GMC guidance 'Acting as an Expert Witness', which sets out the role and duties of doctors who act as expert witnesses, has been welcomed by the Medical Defence Union (MDU). (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

Medical Defence Union Highlights Medico-Legal Risks Of Expert Witness Work, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 08:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union (MDU), the UK's leading medical defence organisation, has welcomed newly-published guidance from the GMC, Acting as an Expert Witness, which sets out the role and duties of doctors who act as expert witnesses*. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

How Often Do Doctors Act As Good Samaritans? What Help Do They Provide?

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:00:00 +0100

Asthma attacks, heart attacks, fainting, broken bones and car accident injuries are just some of the problems which have confronted doctors who have stepped in to help a member of the public outside while off-duty according to a survey of Medical Defence Union (MDU) members1. (Source: Public Health News From Medical News Today)

Communications Skills Workshops For Doctors, Medical Defence Union, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union has announced that a limited number of places are remaining for its upcoming communications skills workshops for doctors taking place at its head office in London. Dr Peter Schutte, Head of Advisory Services commented, "Many of the complaints and claims seen by the MDU can be traced back to a breakdown in communication between doctor and patient. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

GPs warned over depression legal risk

Pulse — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:15:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union has revealed it has paid out nearly £3m in compensation on behalf of GPs who misdiagnosed or mistreated patients with depression in the past 10 years. (Source: Pulse)

MDU advises on pitfalls of treating depression

Nursing in Practice — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 22:47:51 +0100

The Medical Defence Union has paid out nearly £3m to settle 30 claims arising from the treatment of patients with depression (Source: Nursing in Practice)

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Medical Defence Union Advises GPs On Pitfalls Of Treating Depression, UK

Depression News From Medical News Today — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union, the UK's largest medical defence organisation, has revealed it paid out nearly Â£3m in compensation on behalf of GP members to settle 30 claims arising from the treatment of patients with depression during a recent ten-year-period. (Source: Depression News From Medical News Today)

Medicolegal experts warn of high level of GP depression claims

Management in Practice — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:32:20 +0100

The Medical Defence Union says it has paid out nearly £3m in compensation on behalf of GP members to settle claims regarding depression (Source: Management in Practice)

Patient confidentiality EHR "priority"

Hospital IT Europe — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:14:54 +0100

The UK Medical Defence Union is regularly contacted by GPs worried about patient confidentiality (Source: Hospital IT Europe)

Patient confidentiality Is "priority" with electronic practice records

Hospital IT Europe — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:15:17 +0100

The UK Medical Defence Union is regularly contacted by GPs worried about patient confidentiality (Source: Hospital IT Europe)

Patient Confidentiality Is Priority With Electronic Practice Records, Says Medical Defence Union, UK

IT / Internet / E-mail News From Medical News Today — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union (MDU), the UK's leading medical defence organisation, says that GP practices are regularly seeking its advice on how to ensure patient confidentiality when using electronic records. In an article published in its latest In Practice1 journal for practice managers, MDU medico-legal adviser, Dr James Armstrong, answers some of the most common questions on the subject to the MDU's medico-legal advice helpline in recent years. (Source: IT / Internet / E-mail News From Medical News Today)

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Effective Communication Central To New GMC Consent Guidance Says Medical Defence Union, UK

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Tue, 20 May 2008 09:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union, the UK's largest medical defence organisation, welcomes the emphasis in the GMC's new consent guidance1 on communicating effectively with patients about their condition and treatment, something which regularly features in the MDU's advice to members. (Source: Public Health News From Medical News Today)

Think Carefully Before Helping Patients Seek Overseas Treatment Warns Medical Defence Union

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Tue, 13 May 2008 07:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union, the UK's largest medical defence organisation, has advised its GP members to be cautious when responding to requests for help from patients who want to travel abroad for medical treatment. MDU medico-legal adviser Dr Karen Roberts said: "Statistics show that demand for medical treatment outside the UK is rising and doctors may increasingly be asked by patients for advice on treatment or to complete a medical history form on their behalf. (Source: Public Health News From Medical News Today)

Medical Defence Union Agrees Apologies Can Resolve Complaints, UK

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 08:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union (MDU) agrees with the Healthcare Commission's recommendation in its latest report1 that apologies can resolve complaints. This reinforces advice the MDU has been giving its members for well over 50 years. The Commission's Spotlight on Complaints report recommends that trusts should apologise more often when mistakes are made. (Source: Public Health News From Medical News Today)

Medical Defence Union Highlights Ethical Dilemmas Involving Personal Beliefs, UK

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 09:00:00 +0100

As the GMC launches its latest ethical guidance on Personal Beliefs and Medical Practice today, advising doctors how they can ensure their personal beliefs do not adversely affect their relationships with or treatment of patients, the MDU has published advice for members, including examples of some typical dilemmas surrounding personal beliefs that members have raised on its medico-legal helpline. (Source: Public Health News From Medical News Today)

How to stop personal beliefs affecting your practice

Management in Practice — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 21:24:02 +0100

Medical Defence Union highlights ethical dilemmas involving personal beliefs (Source: Management in Practice)

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MDU advises GPs how to deal with patients with dog bite injuries

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:24:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union (MDU) has warned GPs to take particular care when treating patients with dog bite injuries. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

Practices warned to treat dog bite injuries with care

Management in Practice — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:55:12 +0100

The Medical Defence Union has reported allegations of a failure to treat or refer such patients appropriately (Source: Management in Practice)

MDU release dog bite caution

Nursing in Practice — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 21:54:29 +0100

The Medical Defence Union is warning health professionals to take particular care when treating dog bites (Source: Nursing in Practice)

Once Bitten...Treat With Caution, Medical Defence Union Advises

Veterinary News From Medical News Today — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 21:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union (MDU), the UK's largest medical defence organisation, is warning GP members to ensure they take particular care when treating patients with dog bite injuries. The MDU has assisted a number of GP members in recent years following allegations of failure to treat or refer such patients appropriately. (Source: Veterinary News From Medical News Today)

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Doctors' Gifts Unwrapped By Medical Defence Union, UK

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 09:00:00 +0100

Legacies, artworks, vintage champagne, handmade embroidery and poems of thanks are just some of the ways that patients have shown their appreciation to their doctors over the last year, according to a new Medical Defence Union (MDU) survey of 511 doctors.* While doctors most often received chocolates and other edibles or alcohol which 76 and 66 per cent of doctors respectively had received in the past year, some reported receiving more unusual items. (Source: Public Health News From Medical News Today)

GPs receive more gifts from patients than consultants do

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0100

GPs receive more gifts from patients than any other doctors, according to a survey by the Medical Defence Union. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

Doctors warned that use of medical abbreviations presents risk to patients

NeLM Headline News — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0100

According to a BBC report, the UK's Medical Defence Union has warned doctors that the use of abbreviations in medical notes is putting patients’ lives at risk. A recent US study of 30,000 medication errors, found that 5% were linked to abbreviations in notes; common errors include those associated with the abbreviation of drug names and doses. One fatal example involved a patient on haemodialysis who was given an inappropriately high dose of aciclovir – the notes had the abbreviation HD (for haemodialysis) written next to aciclovir, which was misread as TID (three times daily). The report also discusses the findings of a UK audit carried out by the paediatric department at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital. The authors found that confusion can occur when certain abbreviations are use...

Don't Be Blind To Risks Of Ophthalmic Condition - Medical Defence Union Warns GPs

Eye Health / Optometry News From Medical News Today — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 09:00:00 +0100

GPs are being alerted to the danger of failing to diagnose an uncommon condition that can lead to blindness. In the latest edition of the MDU Journal, ophthalmologist and MDU Board member Mr Paul Riordan-Eva, examines where difficulties can arise in diagnosing giant cell arteritis (GCA), which most GPs will only encounter in one or two patients during their careers. [click link for full article] (Source: Eye Health / Optometry News From Medical News Today)

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Medical Defence Union Separates Fact From Fiction About Mental Capacity Act, UK

Mental Health News From Medical News Today — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 09:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union (MDU), which represents over 50 per cent of UK doctors, has issued a series of Q and As to help members understand their obligations under the Mental Capacity Act and to clarify some of the common misconceptions which have been aired in the media. [click link for full article] (Source: Mental Health News From Medical News Today)

Standard Of Proof Change May Lead To More Adverse Findings Against Doctors - Medical Defence Union, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 11:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union has voiced its strong opposition to the introduction of the civil standard of proof for all GMC fitness to practise (FTP) panel hearings, which it says will lead to inconsistent and unfair decisions in many cases, which may result in a greater number of legal challenges. [click link for full article] (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

'No confidence' in civil standard of proof

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union (MDU) has 'no confidence' in proposals to introduce the civil standard of proof into fitness-to-practise hearings. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

National Information Governance Board for Health and Social Care

NHS Networks — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 15:00:06 +0100

The Department of Health has announced the appointment of members to the National Information Governance Board for Health and Social Care (NIGB). The NIGB, which reports annually to the Secretary of State for Health, will provide leadership and promote consistent standards for information governance across health and social care. It will also arbitrate on the interpretation and application of information governance policy and give advice on matters at national level. Membership of the Board comprises lay members appointed by the Appointments Commission and also representatives of key stakeholder organisations. The chair, Harry Cayton, was appointed by the Secretary of State for Health. Harry Cayton is chief executive of the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence. The Appointments ...

Medical Defence Union Members Offered Free Ethics And Law Training, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 13:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union (MDU) is offering its GP members free access to an online training tool to help them with legal and ethical dilemmas and earn CPD points in the process. The online module gives GPs the opportunity to answer tricky dilemmas, set by MDU experts, on areas such as consent, whistleblowing, removing patients from lists and death certification. [click link for full article] (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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New GMC Guidance For Doctors Treating Children, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 09:00:00 +0100

Following the recent publication of the first specific GMC guidance on treating children and young people, the Medical Defence Union, whose members include over half of UK doctors, said doctors often face dilemmas when treating under 18s. [click link for full article] (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Fitness To Practise Concerns At Medical School May Affect Future Registration - MDU Warns, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 21:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union (MDU) warned medical students that adverse findings about their behaviour at medical school might prevent them from registering as a doctor with the GMC. The MDU, the UK's largest medical defence organisation, reminded student members to contact its advisory helpline as soon as they become aware of an investigation into their fitness to practise. [click link for full article] (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

GMC Change To Standard Of Proof Almost 'Alice In Wonderland' Says Medical Defence Union, UK

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 08:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union, which indemnifies over half of UK doctors and assists hundreds each year with GMC fitness to practise investigations, says the GMC's proposed guidance on the use of the civil standard of proof would turn part of the decision-making process on its head. [click link for full article] (Source: Public Health News From Medical News Today)

Burden Of Regulation Reflected In Volume Of Calls To Medical Defence Union Helpline, UK

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 08:00:00 +0100

The MDU said that calls to its advisory helpline rose by 13 per cent last year, as members increasingly required advice and support from its experts. During 2006, the MDU's advisers answered 25,400 calls on its helpline, compared to 22,400 in 2005. It says the rise in call volume could be down to the increasing advice and support MDU members need in today's challenging medico-legal climate. [click link for full article] (Source: Public Health News From Medical News Today)

Doctors Likely To Face More Investigations Under Corporate Manslaughter Act, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 08:00:00 +0100

As the Corporate Manslaughter Act obtains Royal Assent, the Medical Defence Union (MDU), which advises members on criminal matters which might arise from their clinical duties, warned that hospital doctors may face more investigations into their conduct when the law comes into effect on 6 April 2008 (except deaths in custody). [click link for full article] (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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New law could mean more criminal investigations for doctors and nurses

OnMedica Latest News — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 14:03:03 +0100

The Corporate Manslaughter Act could pitch doctors and nurses against their employing trusts, the Medical Defence Union has warned (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Spinal Surgery Claims Cost Medical Defence Union 9 Million Pounds, UK

Bones / Orthopaedics News From Medical News Today — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 08:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union, the UK's biggest provider of medical indemnity and insurance to doctors, paid out nearly 9 million pounds in damages and legal costs to compensate patients harmed as a result of spinal surgery in the independent sector over a recent ten year period. [click link for full article] (Source: Bones / Orthopaedics News From Medical News Today)

Johnson v The Medical Defence Union

Health Informatics Newsfeed — Fri, 18 May 2007 00:54:13 +0100

The Court of Appeal held, by a majority in this case that... (Source: Health Informatics Newsfeed)

GP Practices warned on record keeping after drug errors top list of medication incidents

NeLM Headline News — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0100

E-Health Insider has reported that the Medical Defence Union has advised GP practices to ensure computerised and paper records document all drug treatments and allergies consistently, after it found that the majority of medication incidents relate to the wrong drug being prescribed or administered. The Union said a quarter of its settled claims involving GPs related to medication incidents such as vaccines being given in error or mix-ups caused by records not being available during consultations. (Source: NeLM Headline News)

MDU doctors embrace homeworking

OnMedica Latest News — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 06:51:36 +0100

The Medical Defence Union says that even doctors can work from home (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Caution advised with cryotherapy

OnMedica Latest News — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 07:06:36 +0100

The Medical Defence Union says claims often result from routine minor surgical procedures including the use of cryotherapy, and it is urging GPs to review their protocols and procedures in the light of a new claims analysis. (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

DDU teacher of the year award goes to Dr Mark Greenwood, Newcastle University

MEDEV News — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 21:47:04 +0100

The Dental Defence Union (DDU), the specialist dental division of the Medical Defence Union (MDU), has awarded the Teacher of the Year award to Dr Mark Greenwood of the School of Dental Sciences. (Source: MEDEV News)