MDDUS welcomes PHSO review

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release: Thursday, 21 March 2019

Responding to today’s Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) review on how it uses clinical advice when investigating complaints, MDDUS medical adviser Dr Susan Gibson-Smith said:

“We welcome the care and time that the ombudsman has put into the exercise and the measured way he proposes to put the changes into effect. It’s clearly right that his judgements are properly informed by the best expert medical advice and that all parties to a complaint can understand the nature and basis of that advice.

“We agree that further dialogue as implementation progresses via the proposed advisory group can only be helpful and suggest that medical defence organisations should be represented on that body along with patients and other groups of interests."

Ends

For further information contact Richard Hendry on 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.