News MDDUS THE EDITOR FROM


WITH the recent terrible events in London and Manchester still foremost in our minds, I would like to express heartfelt condolences to everyone affected by these tragedies, and to pay tribute to the many health professionals and members of the public who showed such compassion and courage in helping the injured. We are very fortunate to have a health service staffed by doctors, nurses and paramedics capable of acting with professionalism and expertise in the face of such unimaginable circumstances. We recently celebrated the innovation and high quality care provided by healthcare teams at the annual BMJ awards, sponsored by MDDUS. Congratulations to the inspirational winners and indeed to all those who were shortlisted. In this issue,


“We are very fortunate to have a health service staffed by doctors, nurses and paramedics capable of acting with professionalism and expertise in the face of such


unimaginable circumstances”


Dr Peter Cawston talks to Jim Killgore about a Scottish initiative to integrate health and social care (page 10). Jim also discusses the current evidence relating to a ‘weekend effect’ in healthcare on page 8.


Liz Price offers advice on the medico-legal implications of documenting reflective practice on page 9, and on page 12, Allan Gaw explores the issue of ownership of human tissue as a source of data. Is it the same as other


health data? Doug Hamilton highlights the distinction


between the duty of candour and raising concerns about patient safety on page 14, and on page 21, Deborah Bowman focuses on the issue of motivation in medical ethics. And in our regular dilemma feature, Dr Gail Gilmartin offers advice on situations where patients on repeat medication are non-compliant with follow-up and monitoring arrangements (page 20).


Dr Barry Parker


Mission statement and brand values


MDDUS has launched a new mission statement and set out its brand values after an extensive consultation involving staff, the Board and a membership survey and working group. The mission statement and brand values represent the importance


4 / MDDUS INSIGHT / Q2 2017


we place on offering a professional, responsive membership that represents value for our members.


Our mission statement We deliver indemnity and a professional, high-quality advice and support service to healthcare professionals throughout the UK. We manage our members’ money soundly. Our members trust us to put their


RCGP partnership provides savings for new GPs


MDDUS is proud to announce a new partnership with the RCGP that reduces the cost of indemnity and RCGP membership for newly qualified GPs in their first five years after qualification. New GPs can apply for a tailored MDDUS indemnity package along with a contribution to RCGP membership fees. This will be available to new and current members of both organisations, with existing MDDUS members benefiting automatically at their next renewal date. MDDUS Director of Development David Sturgeon said: “As principal sponsor of the RCGP annual conference, we are delighted to build on our already excellent relationship with the College. “We are both focused on achieving high-quality care for patients and


first-rate, high-value member services. Joining both bodies through this scheme provides a new lower-cost route for a new GP to get all the benefits of belonging to two innovative and complementary professional bodies.” Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: “The first five years of independent practice are essential in shaping a GP’s career, and it is important that our newest members are supported as much as possible so that they can concentrate on implementing their training and delivering good, safe patient care. “Rising indemnity costs are a concern for all GPs, and in our manifesto in the run-up to the General Election in June, the College is calling for this to be addressed as a matter of urgency. I’m delighted that our newly qualified members can opt to benefit immediately from this discount scheme.” Find out more at www.mddus.com/join/rcgp-first-5-partnership


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