NOTICE BOARD


Dual membership of defence organisations


MDDUS would like to remind members that they must not hold membership with any other medical or dental defence organisation. Problems may arise in the event of a claim if dual membership is held. This means you cannot hold coverage with


different defence organisations for particular professional roles, for example sessional GP work under MDDUS and locum work under another MDO. Please contact our Membership Team on 0845 270 2038 for any clarification on this point.


Are you ticking the right boxes? DOCTORS could face a potential negligence claim by simply ticking the wrong box on


patient assessment forms. MDDUS has seen an increase in calls from members facing patient complaints due to errors filling out forms – with the completion of HGV licence applications proving particularly problematic due to recent changes in the format. While analysing MDDUS cases against GPs involving communication errors, risk adviser


Alan Frame found that 10 per cent featured mistakes on assessment report forms. Some occurred simply because a doctor ticked a wrong box or missed out important information on a form. “There is always a risk of human error – especially when resources are stretched. Our


experience tells us that even routine tasks in a busy practice can have consequences for doctors,” said Frame. “Lapses in concentration and poor attention to detail can have a serious effect on quality


and safety. The chance of a simple error occurring increases when undertaking tasks that may be repetitive and routine in nature.” Sometimes errors on forms, such as HGV licence renewals, can have serious implications


for patients. “One resulted in the licence being rescinded and a subsequent claim by the patient for loss


of earnings as they were unable to work until the licence had been renewed,” says Frame. “In extreme cases, patients can lose their jobs if they are prevented from driving while the matter is resolved.” MDDUS is reminding doctors of the importance of completing documents


carefully when providing information about or for their patients. “Filling out these forms may sometimes seem a time-consuming


Come fly with MDDUS ‘Risk Factor’


MDDUS Risk Management has launched an exciting new programme format called “Risk Factor,” featuring a series of specially commissioned video interviews with guest speakers discussing various risk-related topics. Each interview is hosted by one of our experienced MDDUS risk advisers and the aim is to help members understand and manage risk in their day-to-day practice and environments. In the first interview, Mr Aubrey Craig,


Head of Dental Division (above), discusses the importance of good record keeping in the light of revised and extended guidance for dentists from the GDC. Risk adviser Alan Frame poses the questions. Alan also speaks with long-standing MDDUS collaborator Phil Higton. Phil is a former training captain with British Airways who now runs a successful training company, Terema, specialising in the provision of bespoke training to NHS clinicians on how lessons learned from examining error and human factors within the aviation industry


l ARF REMINDER Dental care professionals (DCPs) are being reminded to pay their annual retention fee to the GDC by 31 July 2014. Payment must be received on or before that date to remain on the GDC register and be


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task of low priority for a busy GP,” says MDDUS adviser Dr Mary Peddie. “After all, a doctor’s main focus is on providing the best possible care for their patient. However, if you have agreed to undertake an assessment, this should be done in a timely manner, taking care to ensure that all relevant information is provided accurately.”


can be transferred to a healthcare environment.


MDDUS members can find the video modules on the Risk Factor page in the Risk Management section of mddus.com. You will need your membership number in order to access these resources. MDDUS Risk Management can provide members with CPD verification for all of our risk video modules: just contact risk@mddus.com with the title of the module(s) viewed.


Private GP indemnity PLEASE note a separate subscription


rate exists for those members working in a private GP capacity, where the GP may be seeing patients outwith an NHS setting, such as a private clinic or walk-in centre. Likewise, our standard GP and private


eligible to work. No payments can be processed after the deadline. Those registrants removed for non-payment will also incur further costs if they apply to restore their name to the register. Go to www.gdc-uk.org


GP rates no longer provide indemnity for cosmetic surgery procedures, with the exception of Botox and other nonpermanent fillers. GP members unsure of their indemnity


cover or with any other questions regarding subscription rates should contact the Membership Team on 0845 270 2038.


Winners honoured at BMJ Awards 2014 THE inspirational work of doctors and


their teams was showcased at the 2014 BMJ Awards in London on May 8. Now in their sixth year, the awards took


place at the Westminster Plaza Hotel, London, and were hosted by author and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth. MDDUS was proud to be both principal


l GP TRAINING GUIDE The RCGP has published a complete guide to GP training and the early years after. The book offers pragmatic advice and tips on all stages of training, covering hospital rotations, general practice training


in the community, the transition to becoming an independent practitioner and the various methods of assessment employed by the RCGP. It also offers advice on getting a job, practice finance, locuming, appraisal and revalidation


SUMMONS


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