Medical Defence Organisations

In the performance of all your professional duties, you should abide by the principles of good medical practice set out in Duties of a doctor.

Even so, you may become the subject of a complaint or an allegation of negligence during the course of your professional employment. The protection that comes from employment in the NHS is by no means sufficient to cover all situations in which you may find yourself.

There are professional organisations which undertake to protect, support and safeguard the character and interests of registered medical and dental practitioners in the United Kingdom, and elsewhere.

Members receive advice and assistance on legal, ethical and other problems arising from the practice of their profession, including problems that may arise with the GMC itself as the result of allegations of failure to abide by the principles of good medical practice as set out in Duties of a doctor.

Members may also receive indemnity for damages and costs arising from judicial decisions or settlements out of court and in medico-legal cases undertaken on their behalf, notably accusations of professional negligence.

Further information about the benefits of membership can be obtained direct from the organisations concerned.

Their addresses are:

  • Medical Defence Union Limited
    230 Blackfriars Road
    London SE1 8PJ
    Tel: 020 7202 1500
    Web: www.the-mdu.com
  • Medical Protection Society
    33 Cavendish Square
    London W1N 0PS
    Tel: 020 7637 0541
    Web: www.medicalprotection.org/uk
  • Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland
    Mackintosh House
    120 Blythswood Street
    Glasgow G2 4EA
    Tel: 0141 221 5858
    Web: www.mddus.com