Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I have to be a member of MDS to access the winter indemnity scheme?
This scheme is being run with all medical defence organisations. We would encourage any GPs wanting to undertake additional out of hours (OOH)/unscheduled care sessions to speak with your local OOH providers to determine what additional shifts are required. You can then agree with your MDO the right package of extra indemnity that is needed.
Q. What do you mean by OOH services?
When referring to OOH or unscheduled care this includes organisations providing primary care services from 6:30 pm to 8:00 am, weekend and bank holiday services. It also includes unscheduled care service providers, typified by services provided at any time of the day, to a range of patients not registered with the provider and accessing services where clinicians may have only limited access to clinical records.
Q. What is the timing of the scheme?
The scheme will begin on 1st October 2018 and end on 31st March 2019.
Q. How will the scheme run?
Members must first make contact with their intended OOH provider to check sessional availability and then apply online to MDS (application form can be accessed here). MDS will review the application and confirm by way of providing a separate membership certificate of the indemnity cover that is in place. GP members will be required to consent that MDS can share your details with NHS England to enable appropriate audit checks to be undertaken.
Q. Do I have to pay extra towards the scheme?
MDS members will not have to pay any additional subscription for sessions undertaken as part of this scheme. The cost is covered by NHS England.
Q. Can I do some sessions and arrange my cover afterwards?
MDS and NHS England strictly prohibit any retrospective cover. The scheme is entirely forward facing and cannot cover any sessions already undertaken. Therefore, we would encourage our members to ensure that they have cover in place as soon as possible and that they review their requirements regularly so that they can gain access to further session before they are undertaken.
Q. What happens if I don't do all the sessions that I stated in the application form?
It is your responsibility to either carry out the sessions you have applied for or let MDS know any sessions you have not worked. Any sessions that you have not worked you can make MDS aware by sending email to advice@medicaldefensesociety.com This is to ensure that NHS England only pays for sessions that have been carried out by our members.