Traditionally, professional defence and employment matters have been handled by completely separate organisations and representatives. However, it is often impossible to separate these in real life. A clinical incident could lead to not only an internal investigation involving MHPS, but also lead to a GMC referral, a malpractice claim and even interest from the Police.
MDS is the only organisation that can deal with employment, regulatory and malpractice claims related to NHS employment all by itself.
Our multi-disciplinary team deals with complex matters in a seamless manner, thus avoiding a member from bouncing between organisations and advisors.
MDS also has its own in-house solicitors team which means that our advisors can have unbiased and direct access to expert legal advice.
This means we can focus on our member’s needs holistically and provide personalised professional support, without compromise.
International medical graduates
A significant proportion of the UK medical workforce are international medical graduates [IMGs]. Our membership base is unique in that it comprises of medical professionals from a diverse ethnic background. We are probably the only MDO with a majority of overseas/international medical graduates membership and understand their needs better than most.
During the transition period of starting work in the UK which can be a particularly challenging time, we have provided personalised support, guidance and mentoring from our experienced advisors.
Although highly qualified, IMGs may struggle with the challenges of adapting to a different healthcare system and unfamiliar training requirements. There are additional challenges with understanding the medicolegal, GMC/regulatory framework, career progression and working practices within the NHS.
Communication issues and differing cultural contexts present a further challenge and may significantly impact on performance and job expectations.
MDS is uniquely placed to understand and anticipate these challenges and offer assistance, advice and support with all aspects of employment, medicolegal and clinical matters.
Frequently asked questions
You must make sure that you have adequate and appropriate insurance or indemnity arrangements in place, covering the full scope of your medical practice in the UK.
If you work for an NHS Trust or Board, indemnity is provided through the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts (CNST) in England.
If you carry out any private or independent practice, you must arrange adequate and appropriate insurance or indemnity (even if this work takes place on NHS or HSC body premises). This applies even if the work is in addition to work you do for an NHS or HSC body. If you are treating NHS patients privately, you must check with your NHS or HSC body employer to confirm that indemnity is in place.
For GPs working in England and Wales, this is included in your normal NHS contracts of employment. For Locum GPs in Wales, you must be registered on the All Wales Locum Register (AWLR). CNSGP scheme is valid only for GPs in England and Wales. For Scotland, you must ensure you are covered under CNORIS.
You will still need to maintain membership with a medical defence body (MDO) and trade union to cover services such as patient complaints, regulatory (GMC) and disciplinary proceedings, employment and contractual disputes.
For more information on the Clinical Negligence Scheme for NHS Trusts and General Practice, refer to the latest GMC guidelines here.
Get in touch
If you require a quote or have a query, please submit your request using this form.
For indicative rates and to join online, see: mdsuk.org/membership-types/