GPs will benefit from comprehensive indemnity cover under a new government-backed scheme.
The Clinical Negligence Scheme for General Practice is designed to provide more stable and affordable indemnity cover for GPs. Cover will be provided automatically and at no charge to GPs.
The scheme will provide cover for all GPs and their practice teams for clinical negligence incidents, relating to provision of NHS primary medical services, occuring from 1 April 2019.
The scheme will be administered by NHS Resolution on behalf of the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. It will allow the government to have greater oversight of costs and claims.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has also committed to put an existing liabilities scheme (ELS) in place subject to reaching agreement with the medical defence organisations. This would cover claims for historical NHS clinical negligence liabilities.
Minister of State for Care, Caroline Dinenage, said: “GPs are the bedrock of the NHS and they are at the heart of delivering the Long Term Plan.”
“The launch of a new government-backed scheme as part of a landmark new contract demonstrates our clear commitment to supporting a sustainable future for general practice.”
“This new scheme will bring significant benefits to general practice staff, bringing arrangements in line with those for NHS trusts so GPs and their staff can focus on continuing to provide excellent care to patients, knowing they have comprehensive cover in place.”
