Continuity
Our full service will remain available to our members throughout the duration of this uncertain time. We will keep you informed of any changes we are required to make in response to new UK Government legislation.
We know that Government has confirmed it will provide indemnity for clinical negligence liabilities arising from NHS activities carried out in relation to coronavirus where there is no existing indemnity arrangement in place. The vast majority of MPTS hearings will be scaled back until 5 July. We’re pressing regulators to respond pragmatically across the board, being robust in triage of cases and getting certainty quickly, rather than cutting corners.
Business continuity
I have asked my entire team to work from home for the foreseeable future. Our team is of sufficient size, diversity of skillset and flexibility that we believe we can maintain business as usual whilst working remotely from our two offices.
Reporting a claim and ongoing cases
We must urge members to use email rather than telephone communication wherever possible. Not only will this mean fewer unavoidable delays to us assisting you, it also means we will be able to help more members, more efficiently. If you do need to call us, our number remains 0333 043 0000. This service will continue on a 24/7 basis, and as the coronavirus situation develops we will invest in new lines to embed this service and ensure its sustainability.
Membership
I want to give three clear messages about membership:
- First, we are enabling the return of recently retired members by automatically giving free non-claims indemnity to doctors returning to clinical practice who retired up to six years ago, and who have been granted temporary registration by the GMC. You do not need to contact us to access this – we are writing to all members who fall into this category.
- Second, we know that counting hours and sessions will be one of the last things on your mind. So we will enable retrospective adjustments where you either cannot sensibly forecast your workload or it varies suddenly and unexpectedly.
- Third, we are giving the option to reduce subscriptions for doctors in private practice facing reductions in their income. We will continue to do our best to provide the best value that we can as we consider future pricing.
How we will keep you updated
We have developed a coronavirus information hub, with links to the latest official advice as well as common medico-legal queries and employment law Q&As. We will continue to support you with risk management training material and also communicate via our social accounts, predominantly our Twitter account @MDDUS_News
At this unprecedented time, our entire effort is to support you, our members. If you have a concern, or are unsure who to contact about a difficult decision, contact us. If you are worried about a colleague or your own capability, contact us. And if you need general advice about your membership or regarding work you are being called upon to deliver, contact us.
MDDUS is here for you.
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.