How long medical records should be kept is a regular question asked by doctors, and with good reason. It's a huge responsibility, and one that should be taken with great care, as record holders have a legal and ethical obligation to securely preserve records. When it...

GP primary care services are not included in overseas visitor charging regulations, but with increased publicity, debate and recent rule changes over NHS charging, confusion can arise. Whilst there may be charges for some overseas patients in secondary care, even...

As medical negligence or other claims may arise after you retire - or stop practising for some other reason - you need to ensure you are covered for the long term. Run-off insurance for GPs is a type of cover that specifically relates to historic claims from a time...

All of us as GPs will likely carry out at least some paid-for services, but expansion of or an outright switch to private delivery is, obviously, a wide-reaching decision. It’s one thing to provide HGV medicals and firearms reports that don’t conflict with NHS...

Patients will soon have the right to access their medical records through the NHS app – which is set to bring a renewed focus on what’s actually contained within a person’s file. If it’s easier than ever for patients to request, inspect and challenge the data kept on...

The nation is set to go to the polls on December 12 for a rare winter General Election that pundits are saying will be crucial for the future of the country. The Medical Defense Society is strictly neutral on political matters – we’re proud to represent GPs of any...

Whether you view it as a genuine motivator to improve standards and refine practice or an unnecessary burden, for now at least, revalidation appears to be here to stay. Finally implemented in 2012 after many years of being mooted, the system requires all licensed...

Failures in safeguarding vulnerable adults can and do result in tragedy and harm to individuals and professionals. It’s a tricky thing for GPs to get right - and vital to focus on. The case of Joseph O’Hanlon, an alcoholic who was beaten to death in his home after...

At MDS, we’re used to helping GPs to handle complaints and queries when things don’t go to plan. As GPs ourselves, we understand the challenges this job can throw up and we vow to step in with support where and when we can. Yet, we’re also keen to help GPs by...

The vast majority of the enquiries we receive at the Medical Defense Society relate to NHS complaints – and this is a key area in which GPs need support. While all GPs aim for the very highest standards of care it’s a fact of life that not everyone will always be...

GPs have an unusual relationship with their patients. Together, you might well share moments that are deeply emotional and come to learn details that they’ve shared with no-one else, not even their closest. That’s part of the job – but it also presents a challenge to...

The importance of looking after our GPs has never been more vital as more surgeries close, along with a sustained fall in UK GP numbers. What this means, is that highly skilled professionals in our industry are under pressure to see and treat more patients in an...