MPS sets out free protection for those joining HSE Covid-19 efforts

The Medical Protection Society (MPS) has said it will provide “the appropriate protection free of charge” to retired doctors who are joining the HSE Covid-19 response efforts, should issues arise as a result of work undertaken during this period.

Mr Simon Kayll, MPS Chief Executive, said: “These are extremely challenging and unprecedented times for all healthcare professionals providing frontline services and advice to patients, and action to help strengthen the workforce is welcomed.

“MPS will play its part in that, by ensuring that retired doctors who are former MPS members and have been reinstated to the IMC [Irish Medical Council] register because they wish to support the Covid-19 response in a public hospital, receive automatic and free of charge MPS membership which will provide support with non-claims issues arising as a result of their work during this period, such as complaints and disciplinary matters. By working in a public hospital indemnity for clinical negligence claims will be provided by the state’s Clinical Indemnity Scheme (CIS).

“Dentists and private consultants who are already MPS members and wish to help in public hospitals can rest assured that their current MPS membership will continue to provide them with support with non-claims issues arising as a result of their work during this crisis, even if that work is considerably different from their usual clinical activity. Again, by working in a public hospital indemnity for clinical negligence claims will be provided by the CIS.

“For those retired practitioners who are former MPS members and returning to support primary care, support with non-claims issues will be provided by MPS free of charge. Protection against clinical negligence claims, for those GPs returning to the IMC register and volunteering their services to HSE during the Covid-19 emergency, will be covered by the CIS.

“During this time, GPs, consultants, dentists and other healthcare professionals should only perform tasks where they believe they have the skills and competence to do so.

“MPS is here to support healthcare professionals and to ensure they can solely focus on treating patients during this difficult time.”