Dr Nick Clements, Head of Medical Services at the Medical Protection Society said, 'MPS strongly believes that whistleblowers’ complaints should be taken more seriously to help achieve better care for patients in the NHS.

The current complaints process can be confusing; there needs to be clarity and support for GP practices, trusts and patients.

The Medical Protection Society (MPS) has launched a new free advice app to help address the rise in claims and complaints.

Following the government’s announcement that there will be a new criminal offence for wilful neglect, Dr Stephanie Bown, Director of Policy and Communications at the Medical Protection Society, said, 'The Medical Protection Society has long argued that better care for patients in the NHS would come through creating the right culture, which cannot be achieved through legislation. We welcome the explicit recognition by government that nothing can be achieved without a cultural change; in our view everything else must support this objective.

MPS welcomes the insights which can be drawn from the findings of the GMC’s third report – ‘State of Medical Education and Practice in the UK’. Of note is the finding that 46% of complaints investigated were against GPs – more than any other speciality but only accounted for 35% of sanctions or warnings. Communication with patients was a feature in 29% of allegations against GPs.

Dr Stephanie Bown, MPS Director of Policy and Communications says:

Dr Stephanie Bown, MPS Director of Policy and Communications said, 'MPS strongly supports transparency in the NHS and believes that this is key to protecting and promoting public confidence in the medical profession.

Following the Government’s response to the Francis report today, the Medical Protection Society (MPS) is pleased that time and care is being taken to consider whether a statutory duty of candour on individuals should be introduced. However, MPS continues to highlight its belief that high quality and effective openness in healthcare can only be achieved through a cultural shift, not legislation.

Commenting on the General Medical Council’s (GMC) updated version of Good Medical Practice, published today (25 March), Dr Stephanie Bown, Director of Policy and Communications at the Medical Protection Society (MPS) said, 'Upholding professional values is at the heart of the GMC’s guidance and it’s only right that doctors take the lead in ensuring high quality, safe care, especially for vulnerable patients.

Identifying whether a patient’s expectations are realistic and ensuring they give valid consent to the intended surgery are essential steps prior to a cosmetic procedure, says the Medical Protection Society (MPS) in response to the Department of Health’s Review of the Regulation of Cosmetic Interventions

The Medical Protection Society (MPS) has found that there is still confusion by GP practices about the current complaints process, despite the changes coming into force in 2009.

Complaints against GPs are just as likely as those against paediatricians