MDU reveals over 99% of requests for help with medico-legal cases are supported
MDU reveals over 99% of requests for help with medico-legal cases are supported
Leading not for profit indemnifier, the Medical Defence Union (MDU) revealed today that almost all the requests it receives from its healthcare professional members for help with medico-legal issues are supported. The MDU provides full assistance, which can include legal defence and claims indemnity, in well over 99% of cases.
The MDU released the figures as it published its annual report for 2020 showing the benefit of mutual defence organisation membership for doctors at a time of rapidly evolving medico-legal need.
Dr Christine Tomkins, MDU chief executive said:
“At a time of so much change and upheaval for healthcare professionals, it is crucial they can rely on us for support when they need it. As we explain in our annual report, our team of expert advisers, who are doctors and dentists themselves, assisted with over 35,000 requests for assistance or advice from our members in 2020. We exist to provide support with issues such as complaints, GMC investigations, inquests and disciplinary matters and demand for our services is currently at record levels.
“Against this climate, it is reassuring for members to know that, over the last five years, we have assisted with well over 99% of requests for our help. Our member guide clearly sets out the many areas in which we can support members.
“Our discretion to assist with cases gives us the flexibility to respond to members’ changing circumstances. It also sets us apart from insured indemnity providers as our benefits are provided on an occurrence basis with no policy exclusions or set financial limits. We are proud of our unrivalled support for members and detail some of the heartfelt thanks we have received in the report.”
Dr Paul Riordan-Eva, MDU chairman continued:
“Every member’s experience of this most unpredictable time has been unique and their dedication to patient care has been unwavering. It is more important than ever that healthcare professionals know they can turn to us for consistent and tailored advice and support. As a not-for-profit organisation owned by doctors, dental professionals and allied healthcare professionals, we will be there to guide, support and defend members at every stage.”
Results highlighted in the MDU’s annual report for 2020 include:
- 83% of medical claims and 56% of dental claims brought against members were successfully defended.
- 99% of calls to our medico-legal advisers and 98% to our dento-legal advisers during working hours were answered within 20 seconds. The average speed of answering was 11 seconds.
- 83% of GMC cases involving MDU members at the case examiner stage were resolved without referral to an MPTS hearing. The equivalent figure for GDC cases is 82%.
