MDU calls on Scottish government to protect GPs
The Damages (Personal Injury) (Scotland) Order 2017, which comes into force today, will substantially increase compensation payments for clinical negligence claims - with the potential for some large claims to double in cost, the Medical Defence Union (MDU) said today.
Because the Order takes effect for all cases settling from today onwards, it acts retrospectively, increasing the cost of existing claims that have not yet been paid, and also claims yet to arise from treatment that took place many years in the past.
Dr Hugh Stewart, MDU director of legal services and Scottish affairs, said:
"The Scottish government has, overnight, increased the cost of claims against GPs, some of which may now double in cost. Although GPs treat NHS patients, they pay for their own indemnity against claims and must be protected against the inevitable increase in indemnity costs that this change in the law will cause.
“We are considering the impact of this decision carefully and will seek to work with the Scottish health and social care directorate to find a solution to protect our GP members."
