MDU appoints new head of Scottish affairs to champion member interests

The Medical Defence Union (MDU) has appointed Mr Jerard Ross as head of Scottish affairs to champion the interests of the MDU’s growing number of members in Scotland. Over the last four years Scottish membership has grown almost 30%, according to the MDU, the UK’s leading medical defence organisation.

Jerard, who has worked at the MDU for eight years and was previously a consultant neurosurgeon in Edinburgh, will head up the MDU’s Scottish team. The MDU’s medico-legal experts, who are all doctors themselves, provide healthcare professionals with advice, from reporting a sudden death to the Procurator Fiscal to giving evidence in the Court of Session. Jerard, will combine the role with his current post of medico-legal adviser and medical education lead. He takes over from Dr Hugh Stewart who took up the role of MDU professional services director during 2021.

Mr Ross said:

“At a time of so much change and upheaval for healthcare professionals, it is vital they can rely on us for support when they need it. Our expert Scottish team has been crucial in guiding, supporting and defending members in Scotland with tailored advice such as on the important areas of prescribing and patient consent. I am really looking forward to heading up such a dedicated and experienced team.

“Continuing the work started by Hugh, we are looking to develop even more educational resources for our members in Scotland. This has never been more important because doctors have needed to adapt their practice to the rapidly changing guidance and circumstances of the pandemic. We have increased our webinar programme accordingly with resources tailored for Scottish members.

“There is growing evidence of the difficult conditions facing frontline healthcare workers such as our recent survey of doctors’ sleep patterns affecting their ability to safely care for patients.  We continue to remind those holding the profession to account – regulators like the GMC, the courts and indeed employers – of the need to take the COVID-19 context into account.”

 

Mr Jerard Ross pictured: Jerard Ross media.jpg
As newly appointed head of Scottish affairs at the MDU Jerard combines his new role with that of a medico-legal adviser, a position he has held for the past eight years. Formerly a consultant neurosurgeon in the NHS and private sectors, Jerard has also worked in MDU roles as clinical risk manager, medical education lead and clinical risk adviser to corporate members. He lives in the North of Scotland close to where he grew up.

Find out more about the benefits and services for MDU members in Scotland: Supporting doctors in Scotland – The MDU