- 24-hour Emergency Line: 0300 30 32 442
MDS provides robust clinical and regulatory defence and it’s proud to be the only Medical Defence Organisation in the UK that can also provide professional, union-grade employment support to its members.
Both services are available independently as part of our Clinical Defence and Employment Support plans, or for maximum peace of mind, you can choose our Comprehensive Plan which includes both for a sizeable discount.
MDS membership fees are based on your grade, not your specialty. This approach allows us to be transparent and advertise our starting fees on our website, no guesswork. And if we need to make a change to what is advertised because of any particular circumstances or needs, we will always let you know before you need to commit to anything.
For professional defence against patient complaints and regulatory matters.
Professional Disciplinary Defence
This includes advice and representation in proceedings before a regulatory body (GMC/GDC/NMC/HCPC).
Professional Defence against Patient Complaints
Assistance with responding to patient complaints and with any formal investigations into complaints.
Assistance with acting as a witness for your employer in coroner inquest proceedings.
Assistance with any matter arising from clinical work, subject to criminal investigation or proceedings (subject to discretion).
Advice in Professional issues
Confidentiality
Ethical Issues
Medico Legal Practice
Advice and Representation in Performers List issues for GPs
Representation for trainees in ARCP appeals and in Performers List issues.
For advice and representation in issues related to employment.
Advice regarding Terms & Conditions of service
Employment contracts
Professional issues
Advice and representation in grievance procedures
Involving a dispute about terms and conditions of employment including remuneration.
Involving a complaint of bullying, harassment or discrimination.
Advice and representation in the employer disciplinary process, including performance and capability processes
Including the equivalent process of providers of contract for the provision of services (such as CCGs, private hospitals, NHS Hospital Trusts etc). This includes defence in a disciplinary process resulting from complaints from patients, employees or colleagues.
Representation in member’s legal action arising out of employment
Including where a member is contracted to provide professional service.
Out of hours and weekend cover for your professional emergencies.
Insurance-backed cover for NHS category 2 work included and in all our Clinical plans up to stated limits.
Unlock expert insights with MDS webinars, exclusively for our members.
Worldwide Good Samaritan Acts cover included in all our Clinical plans.
Professional employment contract reviews to avoid unwelcome surprises.
Special rates for AAA, AoSCP, BAPIO and BTA members, plus introductory offers for IMGs.
Out of hours and weekend cover for your professional emergencies.
Insurance-backed cover for NHS category 2 work included and in all our Clinical plans up to stated limits.
Worldwide Good Samaritan Acts cover included in all our Clinical plans.
Webinars
Programme
Unlock expert insights with MDS webinars, exclusively for our members.
Courses
Online, flexible postgraduate courses for healthcare professionals, provided by Learna.
Medical Appraisals
GMC-Compliant Appraisals for UK & International doctors with DrAppraisals.com
Special rates for AAA, AoSCP, BAPIO and BTA members, plus introductory offers for IMGs.
Professional employment contract reviews to avoid unwelcome surprises.
It depends from the nature of your work and the part of the UK in which you work. In England, Wales and Scotland, if you only work within the NHS, either in primary or secondary care, you will be covered by the CNSGP and CNST or by similar local schemes ran by the state or health boards. In Northern Ireland, insurance secondary care is provided for secondary care, but not for GPs who need to source it privately. Crown dependencies and British overseas territory also have their own separate arrangements which you will need to familiarise yourself with.
No, MDS provides regulatory, legal, medicolegal and employment services. We provide insurance for Category 2 NHS work, but not for private practice. We can however, refer you to insurance brokers for a preferential quote.
Yes, pretty much all clinical work done outside the NHS requires adequate insurance cover that matches the full scope of your clinical practice. This is a legal requirement.
Clinical defence membership from MDS covers professional disciplinary defence before regulatory bodies (GMC, GDC, NMC, HCPC), assistance with patient complaints and investigations, support as a witness in coroner inquests, and advice on confidentiality, ethics and medico-legal practice.
Yes, we offer a number of introductory discounts for our partners:
International Medical Graduates on their first NHS placement can apply to receive the first three months their first MDS membership for free.
BAPIO members receive 10% off their first year MDS membership and 5% in their second year.
BINA members can apply to receive the first three months of their first MDS membership for free.
We also offer referral schemes:
MDS members that refer a friend to MDS receive a £20 voucher when they join. Please remind them to mention your full mane when applying.
And we offer a 25% discount for members working 50% or less than full time work.
Terms and conditions apply to all our offers and discounts. Please contact [email protected] for more details.
We accept Debit and Credit Card payments, and BACS. If you prefer to spread the cost of your membership, we offer Direct Debit option for 12 months at no additional cost.
Applications are normally processed within two working days and upon receipt of requested documents for review.
This may include a letter of good standing (LGS) with full claims history from your previous defence body or insurer.
All cancellation requests must be made in writing to [email protected]. We are afraid we cannot accept requests made over the phone or through other mediums.
We offer a grace period of 14 days after joining and at the point of renewal, during which it is possible to cancel with no fees or requirement to complete the annual plan.
Past these 14 days periods, members are no longer allowed to cancel and must complete payment for the rest/entirety of the plan (12 months).
We do not offer in-year cancellations or pro-rata refunds.
