The recent statement by the Department of Health (Read the addendum on page 3 of the statement) confirms that GP members of the MDU in England will need to pay considerably more than has been promoted in the headlines before they join the state-backed indemnity scheme. 

Our approach is to make considered decisions that protect the long term interests of GP members, rather than making rash decisions that could have a long-lasting and detrimental impact on members.

GPs should be clear that the MDU have fundamentally changed the product they provide, not their price, and are failing to give GPs a choice in how they protect their careers and reputations. The indemnity product being imposed on the MDU’s GP members in England offers substantially less than the indemnity they previously provided. 

Making informed choices

The MDU’s lack of transparency on these issues is concerning, particularly at a time when there is significant change and uncertainty within primary care. It’s never been more important for GPs to have all the facts at hand to make informed choices about what is right for them and their career.

The MDU’s offer might be appealing at first glance but it’s important to look beyond the headline and not to take this at face value. For example, the MDU have wrongly assumed that claims reported by their GP members after the introduction of the state-backed scheme would be picked up by the state at no extra cost to the member. The Government has now confirmed that this is unlikely to be the case. 

Instead, members will have to purchase additional protection before they join the state-backed scheme, with absolutely no guarantee as to the future cost of these or whether they will even be available to purchase. Future protection is essential given that it can be 5 years or more between an incident taking place and the notification of a claim.

GPs should also be aware that if they have an ongoing claim, they will receive no support should they then leave the MDU – even to transfer to the state-backed scheme - unless they have paid additional subscriptions for extended protection.

Details about the new state-backed indemnity scheme are still being developed and MPS is pushing the Government to ensure information is shared swiftly.  The new scheme is not expected to be in place until April 2019 so it is imperative that you maintain your existing membership to ensure that you have appropriate and adequate indemnity in place.

Above all, it’s crucial that GPs have access to all the facts so they can balance risks against benefits, and make an informed choice about their future.