PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release: Thursday, 18 April 2019
Responding to the General Medical Council’s (GMC) announcement today that they plan to reduce the number of full investigations following a successful pilot scheme, MDDUS medical adviser Dr Naeem Nazem said:
“Being on the receiving end of a GMC complaint is extremely stressful and it is natural for doctors to fear the worst. While it is understandable to worry, in our experience very few GMC cases make it beyond the preliminary stages of investigation.
“MDDUS urges all doctors who receive a letter of complaint from the GMC to contact their defence organisation without delay for further guidance and support.
“Our team of medical advisers and lawyers have vast experience in assisting doctors through the process of being under investigation. Doctors are renowned for being resilient, but should not face the stresses of a GMC complaint on their own.”
Assistance with GMC investigations is just one of the many things not included as part of the new government state-backed schemes. MDDUS provides GP members in England and Wales with a new membership product that maintains their comprehensive protection and provides a range of essential benefits. Visit our website for more details.
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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 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.
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.