The MDU

Doctors too often bear the brunt of patient dissatisfaction, despite many underlying issues being beyond their control. The vast majority of patient complaints are closed at an early stage. However, even when a complaint doesn't go any further, the experience can be incredibly stressful for a clinician and can have a real impact on their wellbeing. The General Medical Council's annual report on Fitness to Practise statistics shows a 25% increase in complaints against doctors. Doctors expect to be held to account, but we must tackle the underlying pressures facing the NHS. We all want to see complaint numbers come down. It’s up to the government and NHS leaders to ensure our doctors are equipped to provide the quality care they want to give - and that patients expect.

We know that receiving a complaint, claim or letter from the GMC can be distressing. Our expert team of doctors, lawyers and claims handlers are on your side.

Three things we want to see from Yvette Cooper, the new Secretary of State for Health & Social Care: - Quicker progress on GMC and GDC reform, with a special focus on ensuring the GMC loses its right to appeal in Fitness to Practise cases - Action on the unsustainable costs of clinical negligence, currently valued at over £3 billion - A focus on the needs and welfare of the healthcare workforce Tom Reynolds

The number of members we have helped with coroners' inquests has increased by 125% in the last ten years. Over 60% of those members were GPs, who tend to be more frequently called upon to give evidence about a patient's medical history. We know inquests can place a significant emotional and professional burden on doctors who are already working under considerable pressure. Our advice line is open 24/7 for members who need support.

Solicitor James Stevenson shares what he wishes every member knew. Get support: https://lnkd.in/eEn3NiSV

Join our latest course to learn practical tips for delivering difficult news with empathy. 🌟 This full-day virtual course is accredited for 5 CPD credits. See the agenda: https://lnkd.in/eEYGwNT5

Government proposals risk creating a more complex, lengthy and stressful regulatory system for doctors. Here's what needs to change: - The GMC should lose its right of appeal - These reforms should simplify regulation, rather than adding delays and bureaucracy - Doctors should get more time to respond to the GMC - A time limit should be set for revisions of decisions We're working to ensure these reforms deliver a fairer, more effective regulatory system for doctors, patients and the wider healthcare community.

Good to see Bill Curtis’s report in the The Times this weekend on clinical negligence, focusing on rising legal fees for lower value claims. The MDUs CEO Matthew Lee outlined why the current system needs to change: “This situation can’t go on. At a time when the NHS is under immense financial pressure and every pound counts, money that could be invested in frontline patient care is instead being diverted into excessive legal costs,” he said. “We continue to see examples of this on an almost daily basis. In one case, a claimant received £1,400 in compensation while their legal costs totalled £60,000. In another, damages of £5,000 were accompanied by legal fees of £155,000.” https://lnkd.in/eq_3x4BY.

Yesterday, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Healthcare Workers (for which The MDU serves as Secretariat) was delighted to host it's latest roundtable, on the use of AI in healthcare. This is both a fascinating and increasingly relevant issue for those working in the NHS. At the roundtable, we discussed a number of topics, including the use of AI in diagnostics and the questions AI poses for future workforce transformation. Many thanks to Dr Oliver Lord and Dr John Jeans for their valuable insight, and to all those who took the time to attend. As AI continues to reshape healthcare, it is vital that policymakers, clinicians and healthcare organisations work together to ensure its adoption is safe, effective and benefits both patients and staff.

Mitigate the risk of a claim in ophthalmology 👁️ - Make sure patients understand the potential risks and benefits of the procedure to give their consent. - Manage patient expectations for refractive and cataract surgery, particularly around the potential ongoing need for glasses. - Provide written information to help patients remember what was said during the consultation and so they can reflect in their own time. - Keep accurate notes and document discussions. - Keep up-to-date with relevant guidance (such as GMC, Royal College and NICE). - If things go wrong, be open and honest with the patient by providing a full explanation. Say sorry and contact us for advice. If a claim has been brought against you, always speak to us before contacting the patient's solicitors: https://lnkd.in/eEn3NiSV