PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release: Tuesday, 6 February 2018
The UK’s fastest growing medical defence organisation MDDUS welcomes today’s announcement by Jeremy Hunt that there will be an urgent review of gross negligence manslaughter in healthcare.
The review, led by Professor Sir Norman Williams, will report back by the end of April 2018 and intends to look at lessons to be learned by the GMC and other professional regulators as well as how reflective learning, openness and transparency can be protected so that mistakes are learned from and not covered up.
It is also intended that the review will provide much-needed clarity to doctors about where they stand with respect to criminal liability and professional misconduct.
MDDUS Joint head of medical division Dr John Holden said:
“We are pleased to note the priority this important issue is being given by the government and welcome the opportunity to participate in the forthcoming rapid review.
“It is vital that doctors experience an open and honest working environment and that they are able to learn from mistakes. We fully support any steps to encourage a learning culture that protects both patients and doctors.”
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For further information contact Richard Hendry on 0333 0434444 or 07976 272266, or email rihendry@mddus.com.
Note to editors
MDDUS (The Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland) is a medical and dental defence organisation providing access to professional indemnity and expert medico- and dento-legal advice for doctors, dentists and other healthcare professionals throughout the UK.
This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.